When schools cut art class, kids do not just lose an elective.
They lose a lifeline.
That is the message from many advocates who say the disappearance of arts programs from under-resourced public schools is quietly costing Black children more than a creative outlet; it is costing them a way to process stress, build confidence, and simply be kids.
Federal budget debates are increasingly scrutinizing the National Endowment for the Arts and Title IV-A K-12 funding, exacerbating disparities. The 2025 State of the Arts Report from the Texas Cultural Trust reveals Texas ranks 43rd in public arts funding, contributing only $0.46 per citizen, far below the national median of $2.02.
This leaves Texas local arts organizations and school districts with a severe lack of baseline state support. High-poverty urban schools, primarily serving Black and Hispanic students, are the first to experience cuts when resources are limited.
Dr. Cashuna Huddleston, a licensed psychologist and owner of New Way Psychological Services in Houston, said the research matches what she sees firsthand.
“We have to recognize that we’re taking away much more than an elective for a lot of these kids,” Huddleston said. “Particularly those navigating economic stress, family stress, or community violence at home.”
Children may develop behavioral and emotional issues if healthy outlets are not provided, potentially leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms like addiction to video games, influenced by their neighborhood circumstances.
Huddleston argues that the focus on standardized testing in Texas schools has marginalized the arts, which impart essential skills that parallel those evaluated on state exams.
“The absence of arts education significantly impacts children’s confidence, autonomy, and social skills during crucial developmental phases,” she said. “We want our young people to be healthy, well-rounded individuals.”
Houston-based artist Briana Leandre sees the same gap from a different angle. Leandre, an engineer by training who leaned into painting after the birth of her son, said her own path might have looked different with earlier access to structured art classes.
“I think a lot of people in general undervalue creative disciplines,” Leandre said. “I think it provides an emotional outlet and escape for young children. It’s a way that children can express themselves without using actual words.”
Leandre said she has watched her own two children process the world differently through creative work, one through drawing and painting, the other through building.
She pointed to community efforts as a partial bridge while institutions catch up. The Black Houston Creatives Network, a Houston-based professional network that works to expand access, visibility, and economic opportunity for Black creatives, runs an annual Dream in Color art supply drive that collected more than 15,000 donated art supplies in Houston last year.
“Those opportunities shouldn’t be viewed as optional. They are an essential part of healthy development overall.”
Dr. Cashuna Huddleston, licensed psychologist
This year’s drive returns Nov. 1 through Dec. 12, with a goal of collecting another 15,000 items for community-nominated organizations serving Houston children. The campaign cannot replace school-based arts instruction, but it can put tools directly into the hands of kids who might otherwise go without.
“Our young people are honing their creativity now more than ever,” Huddleston said. “We have to be able to fill in the gaps in access and resources wherever necessary.”
