Music Lessons Were the Best Thing Your Parents Ever Did for You
Psychological studies continue to uncover more and more benefits that music lessons provide
Music in Education study
According to a 2016 study, a child’s brain develops faster with exposure to music education.
March is Music in our Schools Month®
For more than 40 years, March has been officially designated for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®)
Federal Arts Advocacy Update
February 2026 AFTA CEO Erin Harkey and NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter address U.S. Conference of Mayors on arts as democratic infrastructure On January 30, 2026, Erin Harkey and Chairman Carter took the stage at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. It was a gathering where mayors discussed roads, public safety,
MINNESOTA ARTS DASHBOARD
The MSAB dashboard reports the status of 16 key indicators that fall under five broad, strategic outcomes.
Advocacy Toolkit for Organizations
Want to learn about how your organization can lobby effectively and what you can say legally as an organization?
Advocacy Toolkit For Individuals
Your member of Congress may not realize the ability of the arts to support jobs, engage kids in school, and change lives in your community.
FEDERAL ARTS ADVOCACY UPDATE
September 2025 Stronger Together: National Arts in Education Week Launches Critical September Push As Congress returns from recess and students head back to class, federal education funding is restored—proof that when AFTA and 600+ partners raise our voices, advocacy works. But challenges remain. With the FY26 budget deadline approaching, Congress will soon debate amendments that
Advocacy Alert: August 2025
Your Voice Matters More Than Ever Critical Funding Decisions Ahead The stakes couldn’t be higher for arts and humanities federal funding.Here’s where we stand. The Numbers: The Senate Appropriations Committee approved $207 million for FY26 while the House Appropriations Committee approved $135 million (35 percent cut) for the NEA and NEH. Advocates are encouraged to
