In an era dominated by STEM initiatives and standardized testing, arts education often takes a backseat in the national conversation about academic priorities. Yet, as Maryland — a state rich in cultural heritage and artistic innovation — has demonstrated, the arts are not mere extracurricular activities but essential components of a well-rounded education. It is time for policymakers, educators and communities nationwide to recognize and invest in the transformative power of arts in education. If Maryland’s Blueprint education plan leaves funding for the arts vulnerable, it is not worth the paper on which it is written.

The benefits of arts education are profound and multifaceted. First and foremost, participation in the arts fosters creativity and innovation — skills that are increasingly critical in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. Through visual arts, music, theater, or dance, students learn to think outside the box, solve problems in unconventional ways, and confidently express themselves. These are the very attributes that companies and communities look for in leaders and innovators.

Moreover, arts education has a proven impact on academic performance. Numerous studies show that students involved in the arts perform better in other core subjects, including math, science and language arts. The arts engage the whole brain, enhancing critical thinking, memory and comprehension. In Maryland, programs like Arts Every Day in Baltimore City Public Schools highlight how integrating arts into the curriculum can improve test scores, attendance and graduation rates.

The arts also play a crucial role in fostering social and emotional learning. For many students, the arts provide a safe space to explore their identities, process their emotions and build resilience. This is particularly important in communities where systemic inequities and social challenges can leave young people feeling isolated or voiceless. By encouraging collaboration and empathy, arts education helps to cultivate more inclusive and connected classrooms.

Maryland has long been a leader in advancing arts education, with programs like the Maryland State Arts Council’s Arts in Education Grant and the Fine Arts Office’s initiatives. These efforts support professional development for educators, equitable access to arts opportunities and partnerships with local cultural institutions. However, even here, funding disparities and inconsistent implementation threaten to limit the reach of these programs.

The situation is even more dire on the national level, where the arts are considered “low-hanging fruit” and are often the first line item cut from school budgets. This disproportionately affects underserved and underrepresented communities, where access to arts education is already limited.

This inequity not only deprives students of valuable learning experiences but also exacerbates societal divides by creating cultural silos.

To ensure that every child has access to the transformative power of the arts, we must advocate for systemic change. This includes increasing federal and state funding for arts programs, integrating arts into STEM curricula to create STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) initiatives and requiring arts education as a core subject in all schools. Additionally, we must actively engage community organizations, local artists and cultural institutions to create a robust support network for arts education.

The arts are not a luxury; they are a necessity. They enrich our minds, broaden our perspectives and connect us. By prioritizing arts in education, Maryland and the nation can cultivate generations of creative thinkers, compassionate leaders and active citizens equipped to meet future challenges. Let us ensure that the arts remain at the heart of our educational systems, where they belong.

John Milton Wesley is an author and singer/songwriter who lives in Columbia.