<b>DEBBIE ALLEN</b>

If I ran the NEA, I would spend every dime to put the arts back into public schools. I would join President Obama in his understanding of connecting with the people and have town meetings across the country to ignite passion about the value of arts education to our young people and our country. This initiative would raise the level of academic achievement, instill confidence, connect whole generations with creativity and triple the enrollment and attendance records of every elementary, middle and high school in America.

This would include programs in music, dance, drama, art, photography, electronic music, even martial arts.

Civilizations are remembered for their War and Art. We need to balance the footprint we are leaving behind.