93

Percentage of Americans who believe that the arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education for children.

75

Percentage of 18-year-olds in 1982 who reported taking an art class in their childhood.

50

Percentage of 18-year-olds in 2008 who reported taking an art class in their childhood.

26

Percentage of African-Americans surveyed in 2008 who reported receiving any arts education in their childhood.

30

Percentage of African-American students who are more likely to listen to a form of art than through electronic media.

½

Fraction of time spent in art classes since the No Child Left Behind Act was passed in 2001 as opposed to before.

$40 million

Amount of federal funding for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ educational programs that were at risk for cuts when Congress proposed a series of cuts to the 2010-11 federal budget earlier in March.

Sources:   The National Endowment for the Arts, The Center on Education Policy, The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, The Atlanta Post, The Los Angeles Times