Did you know that students who take four or more years of Fine Arts classes typically score at least 100 points higher than students who don’t?  The Fine Arts program encourages and nurtures our great students, helping them make amazing creative works, and letting them do incredible things. But there’s a problem, they are so chronically underfunded and shunned by schools everywhere. Why is that and how can it be fixed?

Fine Arts is a special program that helps students develop their skills such as acting, playing an instrument, or drawing. It’s a very prestigious and special program, but as beautiful as it is, it is also expensive. Beginner and intermediate instruments can cost up to $3,000 and theater performances can cost anywhere between $1,000-5,000. Prices like that can add up quickly, especially when trying to keep the cost down so as many students can participate as possible. 

This kind of funding is important because it lets students flourish and express themselves, as well as be available for potential scholarships. The program also needs funding for things such as instruments, private lessons, stage preparations, special equipment, and trips. Students need blank canvases to express themselves and handle all the issues that come with being a teenager, but to do so funding is required, you cannot will art supplies into existence. But, how can we get those funds and what is the best way to utilize them? AHS orchestra director, Mrs. Solis, might hold some answers. 

“Funding is getting sparse” says Mrs Solis, who has been working in Fine Arts for over 20 years. “The district no longer has enough money to buy equipment or provide transportation.” She revealed they had lost their capital outlay that was used to pay for various expenses such as instrument purchases and private lessons. Since this happened, almost all of our resources have been taken away, and the instruments each school owns are being moved around because the district doesn’t have enough money to let them keep their own equipment.

Students can help via enrolling in the Fine Arts program. The Fine Arts program at Stephen F. Austin High School provides a variety of courses including orchestra to printmaking. 

Students typically only spend one year in Fine Arts because it is a graduation requirement, but in the long run that hurts programs due to lack of engagement. If you pursue one path of Fine Arts then in return, more funding will be generated. There can’t be a Fine Arts program without students. 

Another way anyone could help bring light to the program is to promote events and different art related programs along with showcasing students’ various creative skills and talents.  

In conclusion, Fine Arts funding is very important and it is a topic that must be discussed and done something about. A way you can help is by taking an interest in art. There are so many different fine arts programs offered at Austin High and trying at least one is sure to spark your interest. There’s options such as painting, ceramic, orchestra, theatre, band, choir and lots more! If you want to learn more, talk to your counselor.