Cutting back on music and arts education has often been justified in favor of reading, writing and math. They're said to be more relevant to future employment. In Southern California, that argument is now less convincing than ever. A new business study shows that the local economy is no longer dominated by aerospace, tourism or international trade, but by the creative industries. Fashion, furniture, architecture and industrial design are part of the picture, too. All this suggests the importance of training public school kids in the creative arts. However another study, also released today, says California schools are failing to meet state standards. We look at this economic shift and hear how LA public schools measure up when it comes to music, dance, theater and the visual arts.
Are the Arts the Key to LA's Future?
Credits
Guests:
- Jack Kyser - Founding Economist, LAEDC's Kyser Center for Economic Research
- Katie Woodworth - Senior Researcher for SRI International
- Laura Zucker - Los Angeles County Arts Commission - @lazucker
- Samuel Hoi - President of Otis College of Art and Design