Young People Need Art: The Importance of Art Programs in School
In this world, it is not just important to have an established art program in a school; it is necessary. Without art, forms of expression become lifeless with little meaning.
Imagine walking into a large open space as a young high school student, feeling intimidated and scared. The space is designed for movement and focus, so you let your guard down a little bit. As soon as the music starts playing, you can instantly feel your muscles relax and you start to feel the music flowing through your body. This is Comp Sci high’s dance class, one of its many elective options for students, which also include music and art and more.
This year, hundreds of arts organizations across the U.S. were notified that their NEA arts grants given to them by the government would be withdrawn under Trump's administration, proposing that they should eliminate the NEA agency from their federal budget. The NEA said that cuts were due, causing many organizations to lose tens of thousands of dollars directed towards funding. This caused major uproar; arts companies expressing their anger towards this called the cuts “sudden” and "unnecessary."
In this world, it is not just important to have an established art program in a school; it is necessary. Without art, forms of expression become lifeless with little meaning. Without art, people lose themselves too. Without art, society ceases to function.
Art strengthens community because it encourages students to share their experiences though their work that feels safe. When teens display their artwork, either online or in person, it creates opportunities for others to feel safe while relating and connecting to the artist, realizing that they are not alone. A drawing about stress, anxiety, or pressure can speak more loudly than words, which allows people to feel more understood. This sense of connection is important in today's society, especially with the rise of social media, which could lead young people into feeling isolated or misunderstood.
Another important aspect is that art helps them build confidence. When someone creates a piece that reflects suppressed emotions, people start to feel seen and it is proof that their feelings matter. Presenting these pieces can help students reclaim their voices in spaces where they feel unseen. Instead of hiding their emotions, they learn to turn them into something more meaningful, which can make them feel more in control of their own story.
We talked to Ms. Mickey, Comp Sci High’s dance teacher, about the importance of dance as a form of artistic practice. She said: “So a lot of times with dance, a lot of dancers usually are not the most vocal or loud people because they're very introverted to their personal life. They don't want to be vulnerable and share.” As she said this, we thought about how art helps people tell a story about themselves that they might hide from others. Ms. Mickey continued: “But when they dance, they have the opportunity to be another person, another version of themselves. So dance lets them express themselves in ways that words fail.” Ms.Mickey, the dance teacher, recognizes this transformation and encourages her students to use movement as a form of self expression.
One of Ms. Mickey’s students, Nyson Williams, said the same thing: “Art is a way to express myself when there are no words to express how I feel out loud.”
Art also teaches patience and emotional resilience. Whether a student is painting, writing, or even dancing, the process requires time, focus, and self-reflection. This process encourages healthier coping skills, especially in moments where school, family and friends could be overwhelming. The act of creating gives teens a break from the constant pressure of life that they could be going through.
In addition, art programs could help students develop skills that support their mental health and well-being long term. Creativity and emotional awareness both grow stronger through artistic practice. These skills are useful not just in school but in navigating real life challenges. As students learn to express themselves through colors, shapes, words, they also learn how to understand their emotions rather than running from them.
Finally, continuing to prioritize art in school could help shape a future where young people feel more emotionally confident and authentic. As society continues to become more individualistic, having creative outlets could keep students grounded. When teens feel supported, they are more likely to overcome mental challenges and build healthier relationships with each other.