FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) has introduced a Resolution to the House of Representatives expressing support for the designation of April 13–26, 2025, as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week (YA Week). The designation of YA Week honors the contributions Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) has made to students and schools nationwide through arts in education programs.
The 2025 YA Week Resolution states that "arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines including dance, music, theater, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts, is an essential element of a complete and well-rounded education for all students." It further highlights the work of the YA network and encourages the public to recognize the important impact of the arts on the development well-being of students nationwide as well as on society as a whole.
"During National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week, we recognize the incredible power and inspirations that the arts' has on your people across the country," said Rep. Velázquez. "Supporting the arts in student learning is crucial to the development of our youth and this week serves as a reminder that we must continue to advocate for more arts education in schools nationwide."
“On behalf of the Young Audiences Arts for Learning network, I would like to thank Congresswoman Velázquez for her continued support of Young Audiences Arts for Learning and the arts-in-education field,” said David Dik, National Executive Director of Young Audiences Arts for Learning. “First championed by conductor Leonard Bernstein in 1971, YA Week has grown into a two-week celebration of arts in education observed each spring by the national YA network, leaders in the field, and individual supporters. This is an important moment in Young Audiences’ history because not only are we celebrating our 73rd anniversary, but we continue to promote the role that creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurism plays through initiatives such as the National YA Week.”
READ THE FULL 2025 YA WEEK RESOLUTION
Learn more at youngaudiences.org/yaweek.
YA Week Resolution: Congress.gov
Media Center: Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez
About Young Audiences Arts for Learning
Founded in 1952, Young Audiences Arts for Learning (Young Audiences) is the nation’s largest arts in education network, serving 25 states and impacting 5 million young people each year. Young Audiences works to support affiliated organizations that are each dedicated to playing a decisive role in young people’s personal, artistic, and educational development. Learn more about Young Audiences and our mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts at www.youngaudiences.org.
Contact:
Lauren Altschuler
Young Audiences Arts for Learning
lauren@ya.org
