National Guild For Community Arts Education

The National Guild supports and advances access to lifelong learning opportunities in the arts. We foster the creation and development of community arts education organizations and programs by providing research and information resources, professional development and networking opportunities, advocacy, funding, and high-profile leadership.

In support of Chicago Children's Choir's annual Paint the Town Red celebration and in recognition of the Choir’s impact, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel have declared May 16, 2012 “Arts Education Day” in Illinois and Chicago.

“Arts learning leads to gains in math, science, and reading. It decreases dropout rates and encourages students to stay in school. But, according to the U.S. Department of Education, students who could benefit the most from the arts, those from low-income households, are at schools that offer the least instruction in art, music, theatre and dance,” said Ra Joy, Executive Director of Arts Alliance Illinois. “I applaud Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel for recognizing and celebrating the value of arts education and for declaring May 16 ‘Arts Education Day’. Ultimately, every student should experience every art form every day from kindergarten to graduation.”