Expressing support for the designation of the weeks of March 29, 2026, through April 11, 2026, as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1151
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-02: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T08:18:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1151) expresses support for designating the weeks of March 29 through April 11, 2026, as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week. It highlights the value of arts education (including dance, music, theater, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts) in student development and recognizes the work of the nonprofit organization Young Audiences Arts for Learning.
Key Provisions
- Supports the designation of the specified weeks as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week.
- Honors contributions of Young Audiences Arts for Learning programs, which reach millions of students, teachers, families, and communities through arts-in-education initiatives in schools and community centers.
- Encourages observance by the public through ceremonies and activities to raise awareness of arts education's role in fostering skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, and academic success.
The resolution includes numerous "Whereas" clauses detailing:
- Benefits of arts education for all students, including English language learners and those with special needs.
- Economic impact of the nonprofit arts sector.
- Statistics on Young Audiences programs, such as serving over 5 million participants annually across 30 affiliates in 28 states and 183 congressional districts, with examples from specific affiliates (e.g., Young Audiences of Houston serving 290,466 students).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses the sense of the House of Representatives and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.
Potential Impacts
- Minimal direct impacts: Symbolic gesture to promote arts education awareness; no funding, mandates, or enforcement mechanisms.
- On citizens: May inspire schools, communities, and families to participate in arts-related events during the designated weeks.
- On government agencies: None significant; referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for consideration.
- International relations: No impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and educators: Beneficiaries of arts-in-education programs, especially in underserved areas like Title I schools.
- Young Audiences Arts for Learning: Network of 30 affiliates providing programs nationwide.
- Schools and communities: Over 3,987 schools and centers involved annually, plus partnering nonprofits and institutions.
- Families and volunteers: Engaged through residencies and integrated arts programs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None; resolutions like this are routine congressional expressions of support without legal force.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Democrats and Republicans), demonstrating broad agreement on arts education's value; introduced April 2, 2026, in the 119th Congress (2d Session).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-02: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-04-02: Submitted in House
- 2026-04-02: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the weeks of March 29, 2026, through April 11, 2026, as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week. — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (6 pages)