By: Bachir Khoukhi
In today’s world, where standardized testing often takes center stage, the focus on holistic education—particularly in the arts—has waned, leaving creativity and growth stifled in many classrooms. Yet, the power of arts education in nurturing mental well-being and cognitive development is something I hold close to my heart. For me, advocating for the arts isn’t just a cause but a reflection of my own story.
A Personal Connection to Creativity
Growing up, art was my refuge and creative outlet. Whether I was sketching or painting on paper/canvas to process emotions, creativity offered me an escape and a way to make sense of the world. It is not just an idle hobby; rather it has become a tool for resilience and self-expression. As I got more active with local initiatives and organizations (like Arts Ed NJ and the ALI Leadership Institute), I realized that creativity has the power to empower entire communities with individuals like myself being the foundation. Through my advocacy work for arts education policy in New Jersey with numerous programs, I have personally seen how creative outlets enhance mental health within numerous schools and school districts.
Historical Perspective of Arts in Education
Cultural development has always been centered on arts education. Music and art were seen as vital components of a comprehensive education in ancient Greece. Creativity has also been highly valued throughout the Renaissance, producing some of the greatest thinkers in history. But over the last two decades, budget cuts and a greater focus on standardized testing have gradually undermined arts programs in schools over the world. Finland and other nations that place a strong emphasis on holistic education routinely rank higher in academic achievement worldwide, demonstrating a direct correlation between creativity and success in general. The U.S.'s dwindling arts education not only stunts individual development in younger students but also erodes cultural diversity and social advancement.
Neuroscience Aspects of Creativity in Mental Health & Measurable Impacts
What I've always believed—that creativity heals—is further supported by neuroscience research where channeling creativity has the capacity to change the way our brains function and control our emotions. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology , even brief periods of creative activity dramatically lower stress and increase positivity. Eminently, research from the National Endowment for the Arts shows that students from low-income backgrounds with high exposure to the arts are five times more likely to graduate high school and three times more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, the Dana Foundation’s studies reveal how music training enhances language processing and academic performance across subjects, particularly emphasizing the broad range of the arts and its outstanding implications. These numbers are powerful reminders that creativity isn’t just nice to have—it’s a catalyst for success!
Furthermore, according to research conducted by a group at the Baylor College of Medicine, "creativity isn't just associated with the network but fundamentally depends on it," highlighting the importance of the default mode network (DMN) in creative ideation. The Default Mode Network refers to a brain network that is active during self-directed thought and introspection and this research suggests that certain brain areas are essential for coming up with original ideas.
Since the DMN's activity is changed in a number of mental health disorders, including depression, encouraging creativity through arts education improves cognitive flexibility and provides a therapeutic pathway for people with mental health issues as well.
The Economics of Creativity
In the future, creativity will be economically necessary in addition to being a means of personal development. According to The World Economic Forum, one of the top three skills required in the workforce of the future will be creativity. By advocating for funding arts education, we can all enable people to lead and innovate in a world that is always changing, in addition to preparing them for success.
Call for Change
It is clear now that systemic reform is required. It is imperative that arts education be viewed as mandatory rather than elective. I've witnessed how creativity helps children overcome obstacles with confidence, develop resilience, and solve problems. By incorporating the arts into the classroom, we can further enable students to completely reinvent education rather than merely pushing them to think creatively. By working together, we can advocate collectively for the next generation of creative intellectuals, prepared to take on what the future holds.
