Funding for Fine Arts in Schools -SummaryThis article is about the struggle that fine arts faces in school systems today. Fine arts include music, art, theater and dance. Funding for most, if not all, school systems is under threat in the worst possible way. Without adequate funding, these programs will become non-existent in children's lives. Not only are the aforementioned programs responsible for most of the entertainment in today's school systems, but numerous studies show the positive and significant impacts on students that fine arts such as theater, art and the dance have on the students. Below, state and national funding challenges for the programs will be discussed, as well as possible solutions that can be made to keep these programs available in schools. Fine arts programs are programs in schools that typically focus on vocal and instrumental music. , art, dance and theater (Music and arts, 2002). These programs are responsible for the majority of entertainment in most public schools. Arts programs, which have always had a fragile existence in public schools, now claim to encourage their school districts to keep them on budget when money is tight (Title I Programs Struggle for Funding, 2003). Although many education professionals associate overall academic success with these arts programs, these programs are still at risk of disappearing if massive budget cuts continue. Many schools today have instituted several different arts programs. These programs range from music programs, both vocal and instrumental, to visual arts, theater and dance. Music lessons encompass both vocal and instrumental instruction. Generally, children have specific music lessons that they are...... middle of paper ......these Americans for the Arts. (2003). Get involved.http://www.artsusa.org/public_awareness/. Retrieved December 1, 2003, from the World Wide Web. Leontovich, M. (2003). Title I programs have difficulty obtaining funding. http://www.titlei.com/samples/arts.htm. Retrieved November 5, 2003, from World Wide Web.NA (2003). Campus Composers. www.msscs.edu/~bbeeman.htm. Retrieved November 6, 2003, from World Wide Web.NA (2002). Music and arts. www.dqud300.perry.k12.il.us. Retrieved November 4, 2003, from the World Wide Web. Pritchart, J. (2002). Fine arts funding lacks support. http://bcn.boulder.co.us/campuspress/. Retrieved December 1, 2003, from the World Wide Web. Psilos, P. (2003). The impact of arts education on workforce preparation. National Governors Association: Center for Best Practices. (1)2. Retrieved November 4, 2003 from ERIC(Ebsco).