Legislation Document

WHEREAS, “March for the Arts” was founded in 2003 when Delaware Senator Connor authored Senate Bill No. 116, designating the month of March 2024 as “March for Arts in Education Month.” Senator Conner envisioned a month devoted to celebrating arts education throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, the Arts and Culture Caucus, a bipartisan bicameral group within the General Assembly, aims to cultivate a legislature that appreciates and advances the contributions of the arts to our society; and

WHEREAS, the arts, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, media arts, music, theatre, visual arts, and more, is an essential element of a complete and well-rounded life for all Delawareans; and

WHEREAS, the arts are an integral part of life in the United States and Delaware, and are an important part of a complete lifelong education that contributes to the vibrancy and vitality of communities and the Nation; and

WHEREAS, arts education contributes to increased attendance and graduation rates, elevates academic achievement, and prepares students for college, career, and citizenship readiness; and

WHEREAS, arts education programs in schools and the community provide a step in the pathway toward gainful employment within the creative sector, or other non-arts sectors; and

WHEREAS, success in today's economy requires the 21 ^st century workforce to develop and master artistic traits such as communicating through words, images, sounds, and movement; and inclusion of the arts develops creativity and innovation elements appreciated and considered by organizations and the business community for employment purposes; and

WHEREAS, quality arts education in Delaware for Pre-K-12 youth is ensured through the Delaware Division of the Arts by collaborating with state and local leaders to advocate for and support greater access to arts education in the State, and promoting and facilitating performance and exhibition opportunities for young people; and

WHEREAS, the Arts Education Dashboard is intended to promote meaningful dialogue around arts education across Delaware and to encourage equitable and data-driven decisions that support a well-rounded education for all Delaware students. The Delaware Arts Education Data Project is the product of a partnership between the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Division of the Arts, and the Delaware Arts Alliance; and

WHEREAS, the month of March recognizes all-state music programs, spring theatrical productions and musicals, spring dance recitals, “Music in the Schools Month” sponsored by the National Association for Music Education, and “Youth in Art Month” sponsored by the National Art Education Association; and

WHEREAS, a recent survey of visual, performing, and media arts educators from across the state conducted by the Delaware Arts Alliance identified the following as opportunities to support their students: additional emphasis on career pathways in the arts to help students develop the academic, technical, and employment skills and real-world experience needed for creative sector jobs; additional content area, hands-on professional learning for educators; and dedicated funding for arts education programs.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the Delaware General Assembly designates the Month of March 2024, as "March for the Arts” to recognize the critical role that the arts play in providing a well-rounded education for Delaware’s youth.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that "March for the Arts” celebrates the individual contributions of visual, performing, and media arts educators across the state in schools and community; students participating in arts programming and classes for their artistry, creativity, and dedication; and arts advocates for their efforts to elevate the needs of the creative economy to elected officials.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Delaware.