Once thought an emotion that was beyond measurement, awe is now studied as a distinct emotion that can be measured. It is also proving a benefit to mental and physical health. In our quest to prove value for the arts in education, we overlook the awe factor that arts learning can inspire. In linking arts learning to academic outcomes, higher test scores, or workforce readiness, we forget about awe.

Arts education is poised to take center stage. Human creativity—what distinguishes us from artificial intelligence—will take the spotlight if we work together to make it so. This article explores opportunities in policy development and accountability, research and data, and expanding the role of media arts.

Advocacy for arts education has not been studied as a field per se. We can point to successful advocacy campaigns as case studies; yet we know little about the larger question of what works and why. What I thought might be a dry academic endeavor became a process of discovery. A synthesis of over 60 studies and publications is the basis for what works in advocacy, case-making, and systems change.