The Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, conducted a public opinion survey in 2001 and found the following statistics:

• Approximately 95 percent of parents believe the arts are important in preparing children for their future.
• More than 90 percent of parents surveyed thought the arts were an important part of a well-rounded education.
• About 70 percent of parents felt "someone else" was better suited to ask for more arts education.

According to Americans for the Arts, young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours, three days a week for at least one year are:

• Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement;
• Three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools;
• Four times more likely to participate in math and science fair;
• Three times more likely to win an award for school attendance; and
• Four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.