National Arts in Education Week, September 13-19, 2020, is a national celebration recognizing the transformative power of the arts in education.

The arts are an essential part of a complete education. Students of all ages—from kindergarten to college to creative aging programs—benefit from artistic learning, innovative thinking, and creativity. In July of 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution designating the second week of September as National Arts in Education Week.

At MCA, this year's theme is “U Matter.” Faculty and staff members were given “U Matter” buttons to wear in support. Students will learn about artists of color in all disciplines from daily announcements and a special video that will air on WMCA and loop in the cafeteria throughout the week.

Art for Others

The school will also come together to help a community in need through an arts-related service project. Fine arts-affiliated clubs are holding an art supply drive to benefit those affected by Hurricane Laura. Mount Carmel will partner with the Louisiana Art Education Association (LAEA) to deliver supplies to art teachers from Calcasieu Parish as well as to evacuees, especially younger children, currently residing in New Orleans.  

Why celebrate Arts in Education Week?

Arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theatre, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students. 

Arts education enables students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success nationwide as well as personal growth outside the classroom.

As the nation works to strengthen its foothold on the 21st-century global economy, the arts equip students with a creative, competitive edge.

If schools and communities are delivering high-quality learning opportunities in, through, and about the arts for students, extraordinary results occur.