Arts Education and the Economy

Host:

Warren Olney

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Cutting back on music and arts education has often been justified in favor of reading, writing and math, which are all said to be more relevant to future employment. In Southern California, that argument is now less convincing than ever. A new study shows that the local economy is now dominated by the creative industries.

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.

Guests:

Jack Kyser: Chief Economist at the LA Economic Development Corporation
Katie Woodworth: Senior Researcher for SRI International
Laura Zucker: Executive Director of the LA County Arts Commission
Samuel Hoi: President of Otis College of Art and Design

A CD copy of Which Way L.A.? is a available by calling 1.888.600.5279.
Transcripts are not available.

Underwriters

Which Way L.A.? is made possible in part by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, and the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, which supports study and research into policy issues of the Los Angeles region.

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