VANS Inspires the Next Generation of Artists, Designers,and Innovators

Kristen Engebretsen

Editor's Note: Americans for the Arts partners with VANS on their Custom Culture program. Lastweek in New York City was the final event of the competition, where the winning shoe design waspicked. Below are remarks that our Arts Education Program Manager made during the event:

My name is Kristen, and my organization, Americans for the Arts, partners with Vans to ensure thatschools all over the country have amazing arts programs, just like yours.

Custom Culture was developed to encourage high school students to embrace their creativity andinspire a new generation of youth culture.

Top 5 Finalist, Parker HS, South Dakota

And I'd say from the designs seen here tonight, we've definitely achieved that.

At Americans for the Arts, we believe that art makes our world beautiful and our students smart andsuccessful.

Did you know that students who are involved in the arts are:

4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair

3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance

4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement

3 times more likely to be elected to class office

We know from research that there is a correlation between academic achievement, creativity, andthe arts. But Americans for the Arts doesn't support arts education just because it might help youacademically. Art, and programs like Custom Culture, can:

provide you with confidence;

empower you;

help you tell your story; and

perhaps even provide you with a career path.

Top 5 Finalist, Foothill HS, Nevada

Americans for the Arts believes that magic takes place when a young person realizes that, throughtheir creation, their voice has value and impact. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge theteachers and parents that help facilitate that magic. Let's give a big shout out right now to yourteachers and parents who worked hard to provide you with this opportunity and made sure that yourvoice was heard.

Winning school, Carlsbad HS, California

Together, Vans, Americans for the Arts, teachers and parents can make sure that all students haveart in their life. We can keep inspiring the next generation of youth culture and ensure a nextgeneration of artists, thinkers, and innovators who will make the world a better place. People likeyou.

So if you believe that art is inspiring; that art provides you with perspective; or that art is just plainawesome, then I want you to repeat after me the Americans for the Arts motto: "I believe...in all thearts...for all the people."

Thank you.

http://rss.artsusa.org/~r/afta/blog/~3/ET11JtYAfQQ/