Senate Joint Resolution 660, sponsored by Crowe, aims to commemorate Arts in Education Week in Tennessee from March 1-7, 2026. The resolution emphasizes the importance of arts education, which encompasses various disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, as a vital component of a well-rounded education. It highlights how arts education fosters critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding, ultimately contributing to students' academic success, personal growth, and readiness for college and careers. The resolution also notes the existing state policies that support arts education and the need for equitable access to these programs for all students.
The resolution acknowledges the findings of the Tennessee Arts Education Data Project, which indicates that while a majority of students have access to arts instruction, there are still gaps in enrollment and access to both music and visual arts. By designating a specific week to celebrate the transformative power of the arts in education, the resolution aims to raise awareness and encourage community engagement in promoting arts education across the state.