[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 43 (Friday, March 22, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S2325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ARTS FOR LEARNING WEEK

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, over 60 years ago, the Young 
Audiences organization was founded with a mission to promote arts-
integrated education. Each year the Young Audiences Arts for Learning 
impacts more than 5 million students in over 8,000 schools and 
communities. In honor of its commendable work around arts education, 
through its 30 affiliates across the United States, I am pleased to 
recognize the week of March 24, 2013 as National Young Audiences Arts 
for Learning Week.
  I would especially like to highlight the work of the Young Audiences 
of Northeast Ohio, YANEO, which reaches more than 240,000 students 
across 18 counties in my home State. YANEO's 120 professional artists 
assist young Ohioans by teaching dance, theater, music, visual arts, 
literary, and media arts. Additionally, the Young Audiences Artworks in 
Cleveland successfully pairs Ohio teenagers with local artists to 
mentor students and provide them with college and career advice.
  Art programs help keep students engaged in their schools and 
communities. Music and visual arts not only serve as a form of personal 
expression, but enable dynamic collaboration. Learning to dance, sing, 
and perform in front of a group can instill confidence in children. 
Learning to edit a film, record a song, or create a graphic design can 
provide individuals with an invaluable set of skills which are 
transferable to the workplace. Contributing to local communities 
through the arts--from outdoor murals to large theatrical 
performances--offers young people a new sense of belonging, purpose, 
and achievement. The arts help to look at the world, and themselves, 
anew.
  Including arts and music in a student's curriculum may also greatly 
improve his or her grasp of math and scientific problems. It has been 
demonstrated exposure to the arts endows children with insight, reason, 
and technical proficiency. Art education improves communication skills, 
academic achievement, encourages discipline, and discourages high-risk 
behavior. Students' ability to innovate and utilize new technologies 
through arts activities will not only better prepare students for 21st 
century jobs, but is also key to our Nation's competiveness in the 
global economy.
  I commend both the students who participate in Young Audiences and 
the hard-working parents, teachers, volunteers, and artists of Young 
Audiences who inspire future generations of artists and musicians. Your 
passion and commitment should be celebrated.

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