Collaboration in Arts Education Advocacy

A Collective Vision for Equity

By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy

In music education advocacy, we have seen firsthand the positive impact of sharing big ideas, dividing the workload, and coming together to achieve meaningful wins. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, we have demonstrated the importance of leaning on and learning from one another.

When we zoom out and apply this approach to the broader field of arts education, the same principle holds true: We are stronger advocating together. Across dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts, we share both the rewards of creative expression in students’ lives and the challenges of keeping these programs strong when budgets tighten or access is limited.

That shared experience is what brought us together. Since its formation in 2024, the Arts Education Alliance has united the advocacy efforts of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) with those of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), National Art Education Association (NAEA), National Association for Media Arts Education (NAMAE), and National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). Together, we amplify the value of arts education through coordinated advocacy and a unified voice.

At the heart of this partnership is a collective commitment to expanding access across all arts disciplines, strengthening support for educators, and elevating the role of the arts in schools and communities nationwide. We are guided by a simple but powerful belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality arts education.

A Collective Vision for Equity in Arts Education

On March 31, 2026, we released a new resource that brings this shared mission into focus. Developed over two years of meaningful collaboration, A Collective Vision for Equity in Arts Education outlines a shared advocacy agenda centered on three priorities: ensuring arts education is part of a well-rounded curriculum, supporting educators with the time and resources they need, and championing certified arts teachers through stronger pathways and hiring practices.

More than a statement of goals, this agenda—as well as its executive summary—provides essential context for the current landscape of arts education and its impact. It sheds light on the realities within each discipline and reflects an ongoing process of dialogue, resource sharing, and mutual support. At its core is a principle that continues to guide our work: Arts are essential.

We were pleased to introduce this vision during a joint webinar, where representatives from each organization reflected on the Alliance’s formation, what unites us, and why collaboration is critical to effective advocacy. Speakers offered a broad view of today’s arts education environment, highlighting progress, identifying gaps, and emphasizing the need for Congress to formally define “the arts” so that all five disciplines receive equitable support.

Enthusiastic advocates from across the country joined the conversation, asking thoughtful questions, engaging with shared resources, and exploring ways to get involved. It was a powerful reminder that when we show up together with a shared commitment to opening doors for students, every discipline—and every student—benefits.

“When we show up together with a shared commitment to opening doors for students, every discipline—and every student—benefits.”

Arts Education Funding

Alongside this advocacy agenda, we unveiled a new report on arts education funding in partnership with the NAMM SupportMusic Coalition. Arts Education Funding: A Two-Year National Snapshot examines how K–12 districts nationwide supported arts programs during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 school years. The report draws on surveys of arts educators and administrators, designed to understand the reach, impact, and limitations of the various funding sources—federal and local—on which these programs rely.

The findings laid out in the report tell a nuanced story. While federal funding levels remain modest, districts continue to rely heavily on their own resources to sustain programs. Despite clear evidence of the benefits of arts education programs, persistent gaps still limit access to these opportunities.

Together, the report’s key insights point to a central truth: Investment in arts education matters. Expanding awareness, increasing transparency, and ensuring arts programs are intentionally included in federal funding decisions will be critical to broadening access for students nationwide.

“Expanding awareness, increasing transparency, and ensuring arts programs are intentionally included in federal funding decisions will be critical to broadening access for students nationwide.”

As federal budget discussions begin for the coming fiscal year, the Arts Education Alliance is calling on advocates to make their voices heard. Reaching out to members of Congress in support of increased investment in programs that support arts education is one tangible way to advance this work and help bring our shared vision closer to reality.

As the arts education landscape continues to evolve, our commitment remains steady. We are proud to stand alongside a community of dedicated advocates from all of the arts disciplines, working together to ensure equitable access to comprehensive, high-quality arts education for every student.

 

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