And arts advocates say that art classes can lead the way.

Creating art, in and of itself, requires such skills, arts advocates say.

The alliance, consisting of teachers, artists and arts advocates, has existed since 1979.

While some arts advocates have pushed for a cultural adviser in the executive office of the president, that does not look likely.

Since then the commission has held six days of public hearings, taking testimony from academics, lawyers and arts advocates.

Some arts advocates expressed unhappiness with the commission's report.

It has united arts advocates across the political spectrum behind the endowment and against the Senator.

That means arts advocates have about three months to prepare their battle plan.

But arts advocates say that there is no fat to cut and that the recent budget reductions bring cultural institutions close to the bone.

No real change can occur until they are, arts advocates say.