The $20 million is being invested by the South Carolina Department of Education from federal funds that are meant to assist schools in recovering lost time from the coronavirus.Tuesday's announcement by the education department stated that it will partner with the South Carolina Arts Commission in order to offer more arts educations using money from the federal American Rescue Plan.This plan is intended to restart the country after the pandemic.According to the education department, South Carolina received $2.1 million from the plan. The majority of the money went to schools, with some going to state-level activities such as summer enrichment programs and comprehensive after-school programs.The state's art commission suggested a program to assist schools in filling learning gaps in the arts. It also proposed a plan to use arts as part core subjects and offer art-based after-school learning opportunities.According to a statement, the funding will allow the commission to implement its plan for three years. It hopes to improve arts integration in schools, teach art to children early, and give high schools job credits to the art industry. The money will be used to provide better art education for undeserved communities and improve the teaching of art by instructors.According to Molly Spearman, the State Superintendent Molly Spearman, "I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact arts education can have on students. I am a long-time music teacher." Arts education has the unique ability to engage students from all backgrounds and subject areas, making it a great opportunity for these funds to be received.
