NEWS CENTER

Over the past months, we’ve collected responses to six questions about arts and culture from each of the gubernatorial candidates. In the next weeks, we’re going to focus on the candidates’ responses to specific questions. The spotlight this week is on education.

• Students with arts instruction are three times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, less likely to be absent, five times more likely to graduate, and 44% less likely to use drugs.
• Schools and employers rank a degree in the arts among the most significant indicators of a candidate’s creativity and innovation skills—and creativity is cited by employers as one of the top three traits most important to career success.

The candidates have agreed that arts contribute to a well-rounded education.

CTV: Do you support arts education as a statewide priority? If so, how will you champion arts education for our youth?

LAMONT: In an environment that is very focused on STEM education I believe that it is important to remember the incredible impact that the arts can have on young students. When I was a volunteer teacher at Harding High School the principal told me that she supported the arts because she believed that students need to find something that they excel at, and something that inspires them to come to school every day. As a young man, the arts gave me the confidence boost that I needed and I believe that they will do that for others as well.

I will champion arts education by working with local leaders, the private sector and the legislature to ensure that more of our young people and communities have access to arts education. Through my own visits as governor and by speaking out in support of diverse programming, I will help people across Connecticut recognize that the arts are interconnected to economic development and the well-being of our residents, helping people realize their value beyond the aesthetic.

STEFANOWSKI: The expression of art, and our cultural stores are fundamental development tools for our children. I believe that it is imperative that school funding to our municipalities and schools remain intact so art and cultural programs may remain in place.

GRIEBEL: Arts education is a major contributor to the development of critical thinking skills in our K-12 students. The Griebel-Frank administration will certainly be a vocal champion of arts education, whether delivered by public or private schools or by independent arts organizations such as our museums, theaters, and universities. Given the projected fiscal challenges in the FY’20 and FY’21 budget, our Administration will have to work closely with arts and culture organizations and their funders to ensure that whatever State funds are available are leveraged to the maximum extent possible.

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Create the Vote CT is a nonpartisan public education campaign to raise awareness and support for the arts among voters and candidates running for public office.

Click to read the complete responses from Ned Lamont, Oz Griebel, and Bob Stefanowski. Lamont has also published an additional policy statement on Investing in Arts and Culture. Griebel has published a Policy Plan that includes statements on Arts, Culture and Tourism.