Advocate for the Arts

Help CDC in their Advocacy Efforts

Know and Share the Statistics

• In 2016 there were 19,341 total creative jobs, a 371 increase from 2015
• In 2016 there was a 8.7 million gain in Non-profit revenue from 2015
• The South Carolina Arts Commission reports that 9.7 Billion is added to our state economy through jobs, taxes revenue, and spending in the Arts Sector. That is 5.1% of South Carolina GDP.
•  7% of U.S. elementary school children and 12-13% of high school children receive dance training during school hours as part of regular school curriculum. (NDEO Evidence Report)

Know the value and impact:
Let the research speak for itself. Each bullet point is link to research in the field of dance. Click a topic below that interests you.

• Dance is marvelous for the Brain
• Dance aids in successful aging
• Dance can be therapy
• Dance improves academic scores
• Dance is the best

Know the story:
The story of dance begins a the beginning. Bipeds have always been movers and makers. It is naturally programmed into our body to move. Dance as a "high art" form that was elusive, ethereal, being reserved for a certain body type and certain class entered history in the 14th or 15th century. Over the past 5 centuries dance as a performative art has grown in popularity and accessibility. We are coming back full circle. That which has been separate, regarded for only certain people to participate is regaining recognition as something for is for every body. There are those that appreciate it from afar, those that participate for pleasure or pursuit, and those that heavily invest in the continuous investigation of how it adds value to to the arts. We need the arts and we need dance. We need to create audiences.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Attend: Go to an arts event and invite your friends. And while you're there, snap a photo of the artwork, band, or with an actor or artist - or even the building! Post it to social media with #CreativeSC!
• ALLOW: GO VOTE. Your voice matter and allows the arts to be sustained and grow in our state
• APPRECIATE: Take a few minutes and email those that have influenced art around you.  Your child's  Principal, classroom teacher, local Art councils (Metropolitan Arts Council in Greenville), local theatre, art organizations, and  galleries. You can also email your city, state, and national officials to let them know how the arts have impacted your life and your school community! 
• APPLAUD: Write It Up! Want to tell your arts education story to the world? Write a blog post, socal media post, maybe you have a website or other platforms to get your story out there. Give credit to those that have pushed you and inspired you. Share what art has done for you.​