The arts advocacy season is upon us once again. It’s time to meet with your legislators to help them understand the value of investing in the arts. How to prepare? Start with this list of “10 Reasons to Support the Arts.”

1. Arts improve individual well-being.
2. Arts unify communities.
3. Arts improve academic performance.
4. Arts strengthen the economy.
5. Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses. 
6. Arts spark creativity and innovation. 
7. Arts drive the creative industries. 
8. Arts have social impact. 
9. Arts improve healthcare.
10. Arts for the health and well-being of our military.

The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts bring us joy, help us express our values, and build bridges between cultures. The arts are also a fundamental component of a healthy community—strengthening them socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even in difficult social and economic times.