1. HOW CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM
EDUCATION IN THE ARTS

2.  Financial professional Jacinto Solivellas de Oleza is a strong supporter of the arts who
collects contemporary art and donates to museums and galleries. Jacinto Solivellas de
Oleza is also a member of the recently formed Bagherzadeh Art Foundation, which
promotes Iranian and Islamic contemporary art in an international context.
Multiple studies have shown the benefits of art education for children. Art encourages
creativity and verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and it improves the
emotional and intellectual abilities in children, especially at-risk youth.
Unsurprisingly, artistic activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpting have been
shown to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. By encouraging
creativity and stimulating cognitive and problem-solving skills, art builds intellectual
capacity and can even help students improve their grades. The open-ended nature of
art products allows children to take risks without fear of negative consequences,
thereby building self-confidence.
In public school systems throughout the United States, art and music programs are
often among the first to be reduced or eliminated as a result of tight budgets.
However, art education plays a crucial role in childhood development. Fortunately,
many communities offer opportunities outside of the classroom for children to learn
about and make art.