Michelle Obama's art program, Turnaround Arts, is going to continue and even expand with more schools even though she is no longer the first lady. After Turnaround Arts secured new funding, the program is assured to still exist. Its headquarters will move to the Kennedy Center from the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities when President Barack Obama ends his term.
Established over five years ago, Turnaround Arts improves on arts education around the country. The program sponsors underperforming schools in boosting its arts classes and currently, 49 schools in America are benefiting from the funding, per The Washington Post. The organization first started with just eight schools.
The schools are provided funds for hiring art teachers, supplies and tools, or for inviting famous mentors, celebrities and patrons of the arts to speak with the kids. With funding assured to continue from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Turnaround Projects is projected to be supporting 68 schools during the school opening in the fall.
RT @DMschools: Harding Breakerz are in the house, er, at the White House getting ready for tomorrow's talent show! pic.twitter.com/uQA4Q0pSYO
— Turnaround Arts (@TurnaroundArts) May 24, 2016
The first lady believes that arts education should be emphasized in schools, apart from science subjects, test scores and college applications. She also notes it would be impossible for the students to achieve these goals without the help of arts education. "Arts education isn't something we add on after we've achieved other priorities," Michelle Obama said, per Turnaround Arts.
Arts education helps children develop into well-balanced and well-rounded individuals. It also drives motivation, inspiration and creativity, while other subjects require analysis and comprehension. Observers believe that this is one of the greatest legacies of the Obama administration, which have benefitted low-income and minority families.
Last May 25, students from the Turnaround Arts program presented their talent show at the White House, where Michelle Obama is host. She told the audience that while she's sad it will be the last talent show there, she's thrilled that the commitment to Turnaround Arts will continue nationwide for many years.
