LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
declare October 2009 as Arts Education Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Teaching the arts, which includes dance, music, theater and
visual arts, is essential to a well-rounded education; and
WHEREAS, Arts education stimulates, develops and refines many cogni-
tive and artistic skills and fosters creativity, self-expression and
artistic literacy; and
WHEREAS, Arts education provides students with the ability to develop
self-discipline, cross-cultural understanding, artistic expression,
teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills required for
success in educational institutions and the workforce; and
WHEREAS, Arts educators, artists and the arts community are contin-
uously committed to developing and maintaining a comprehensive and
sequential arts curriculum that is consistent with the highest state and
national standards; and
WHEREAS, New York offers students an unparalleled opportunity to
explore their artistic talents amidst the tremendous cultural wealth of
this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Providing students with a sound arts education helps to
strengthen and sustain our cultural heritage and civic life; and
WHEREAS, In celebrating October as Arts Education Month, this Legisla-
tive Body hereby calls upon arts educators and communities to publicize
exhibits, concerts, performances and events that focus attention on the
importance of arts education in all of our schools and learning insti-
tutions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to declare October 2009 as Arts
Education Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.