The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2023 that over 3 million Americans held degrees in “Fine and Performing Arts.”
In times of financial trouble, fine arts programs are often the first to get cut. In a world that is hyper-focused on financial gain, people often put high-paying jobs on a pedestal. Careers in STEM and healthcare get much more praise than those in the fine arts: a seemingly less valuable field.
This perspective could not be further from the truth. The fine arts provide people with opportunities to learn and express themselves in ways that no other field affords. More consideration for funding should be given to fine arts programs to provide as many people as possible with the opportunity for self-expression.
The fine arts are often disparaged due to the below average pay often earned by people working in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median salary of those with degrees in fine arts is $50,000. This is $20,000 less than the average salary of all college degree-holders.
Many are opposed to the idea of federal funding for fine arts programs. Unlike STEM and healthcare programs, art is more subjective. Some feel that it is not fiscally responsible to fund a field with unclear benefits.
Author and economist Ryan Bourne argues that public funding for the fine arts is not only a bad idea, but also immoral.
“One person’s masterpiece is another’s outrage—or just a waste of money,” he said.
Because art exposes people to different ideas, it is uniquely beautiful. Adrianna Boldizar is a history teacher at Glendale Junior/Senior High School—and my sister. She graduated from Saint Francis with a bachelor’s degree in History with a concentration in Secondary Education. She also minored in Music and Wellness and Fine Arts.
She began taking dance lessons at age 5 and acted in her first play a year later. At the age of 10, she began taking vocal lessons.
“It helped me get over my shyness as a kid,” said Adrianna. “It made me feel special.”
She stressed the importance of creative expression for people of all ages. She sees how theatre and choir positively affect the students in her classroom at Glendale.
“They’re more well-rounded,” she said.
Creative expression and individualism—important qualities that fine arts experiences help people develop—should never be dismissed. They should be appreciated for their value.
