Meridian and the state of Mississippi have long been known for producing great artists. From the Father of Country Music to the voice of Darth Vader, Elvis to Oprah, the Magnolia State has produced some of the most impactful musicians, actors and writers in recent history.

That legacy is why Meridian Public School District’s Festival of the Arts on Tuesday at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience was so great to see.

The Festival of the Arts brought together students from Pre-K through 12th grade to showcase their talents in drawing, painting, singing, playing musical instruments, photography, percussion and more, giving the community an opportunity to celebrate its young artists while providing students with well deserved recognition for their hard work.

Sadly, arts education often takes a back burner as other areas of study, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), are emphasized. With a school funding formula that has been fully funded just twice in 20 years, school districts throughout the state are used to making budget cuts, and the axe all too swiftly falls on the arts.

Arts education, however, is more than just creating pretty things. Exposure to the arts has been shown to improve critical thinking and creativity, as well as helping students become better communicators.

A study conducted among 42 elementary schools in Houston, Texas, found increased arts education also corresponded with a decline in disciplinary actions along with increases in writing, engagement in school and improved empathy.

STEM subjects are vitally important for our local children as the use of technology continues to expand further into everyday life, and STEM fields tend to correspond with higher paying jobs. We’ve all heard of the starving artist stereotype, but what about a starving nuclear physicist or chemical engineer?

Art, however, is crucial in helping students understand the world around them and develop their own sense of self. The arts provide a healthy outlet for emotions, an avenue for exploration and an opportunity to unleash creativity.

Thank you to MPSD, The MAX and Any Given Child for making the Festival for the Arts come to fruition, and thanks to all of our young artists for sharing their talents.

We look forward to seeing the festival return next year.