I hadn't seen this article before, but it is so true! After I started a Youth Orchestra, (up and running three years now!) I started a blog entitled heartsinthearts.com, about improving the state of the Arts in the public schools from the perspective of grass-roots organizing, for people who would like to have his or her voice heard, from the viewpoint of the everyday -- parents, students, administrators, teachers, community school supporters. I am 'putting my mouth where the ears are'. Thank you very much, I hope you will visit it and add your view(s) often.

This publication isn't new - still relevant though.

http://www.nasaa-arts.org/publications/critical-evidence.pdf
(PDF document)

It tries to answer the question why it is important to keep the arts strong in education.