In the twenty-first century we live in a world where we have to choose between academia and creativity. Unfortunately, it is difficult to be effective either way if both are not offered. Being in the middle of an economic crisis doesn't help in the slightest. Art is in danger both outside and within the education system. “Public money is… drying up as states struggle with massive budget deficits” (Wiggins). Lawmakers around the world are threatening significant cuts to arts funding (Hurley). Broadway productions, ballets, operas and symphonies are languishing. Plays are performed and performed without substitutes, which is a big “no-no” in the creative arts (Rourke 1). In the education system, the Bush administration had introduced the "No Child Left Behind" law with honorable intentions. However, the law, technically called the Elementary and Secondary Law, “has put music and arts programs in rough shape and left them with a dark future” (Hurley 1). A vicious circle is underway. As divergent creative classes are omitted, teaching jobs are also eliminated. Because children are given no choice regarding their involvement in art and music, grades are slipping and good behavior is becoming increasingly difficult to encounter among students and in schools as a whole. Even though all this is happening, people are asking “why?” and not understanding that the opportunity to be creative and take part in programs like that is eliminated. Arts programs should not be removed from schools, even during economic hardship, because such programs are essential to the development of well-rounded students, a more diverse education, and a safer school system. There are seven viable forms of .... .. half of the document ......tp://morrisoninstitute.as.edu/Wiggins, Robert A. “Primary Music Education in the Absence of Specialists.” International Journal of Education and the Arts. November 3, 2008. September 21, 2011. http://www.ijea.org/v9n12/Rourke, Matt. “Fine arts are in survival mode as funding dries up.” United States today. March 2, 2009. September 21, 2011. http://www.usatoday.com/life/theater/2009-03-01-artseconomy_N.htm Galehouse, Dave. “The odds for an athletic scholarship do not depend on the number of participants.” University board. 2011. September 30, 2011. http://varsityedge.com “30 Second Survey: Districts Protecting Arts Programs.” Notes from the school board. 2011. November 3, 2011. http://www.njsba.orgDeForge, Jeanette. “Fine arts programs are being cut in schools across the Western masses.” Live broadcast. The Republican Newsroom, August 1, 2009. November 1, 2011. http://blog.masslive.com/