The King County Council declared May as Arts Education Month.

“Learning about the arts is as important to a child’s education as reading, writing, and arithmetic,” said Councilman Larry Phillips, prime sponsor of recognition. “Children with exposure to a diverse arts education grow up with the cognitive skills and ingenuity to not only enrich their community but work successfully in a variety of fields as well.”

The arts, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, are defined as a core content area in Washington State’s definition of basic education, and are considered an essential component of a complete education that should be provided for all students. Education in the arts enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternate ways of communicating and expressing feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding—thereby supporting academic success across the curriculum, as well as personal growth outside the classroom.

“A well-rounded education includes instruction in the arts,” said Councilman Reagan Dunn. “This month we take time to highlight the arts and their importance in the education of our students.”