Making the arguement for the value of the arts

The following is part 1 a series from the Americans for the Arts National Arts Index, Roland Kushner and Randy Cohen, to be published March 2009

The  arts are essential to the health and vitality of our communities and our nation:

Aesthetics: The arts create beauty and preserve it as part of culture

Creativity: The arts encourage creativity, a critical skill in a dynamic world

Expression: Artistic work lets us communicate our interests and visions

Identity: Arts goods, services, and experiences help define our culture

Innovation: The arts are sources of new ideas, futures, concepts, and connections

Preservation: Arts and culture keep our collective memory intact

Prosperity: The arts create millions of jobs and enhance economic health

Skills: Arts aptitudes and techniques are needed in all sectors of society and work

Social Capital: We enjoy the arts together, across races, generations, and places