Importance of Art in Classrooms

I am very passionate about inner-city kids and their opportunity to learn and succeed in the world.  I am inspired by these people who are helping these kids by giving them the opportunity to experience art.  Art allows inner-city children to become creative and let their emotions in a positive way.  I feel that art is a huge part of not only inner-city children's lives but every child's lives.  I think that art is being overlooked because teachers and administrators are too worried about test scores and the "important" subjects such as math, reading and writing.  But i feel that art is just as important as these subjects and allows students creativity to really show.  Creativity is just as important as anything else a child develops.  I am so happy that there are people out there that still believe in art being a big part of students lives, especially in inner-city kid's lives.

So after watching this video and reading my thoughts, what are your thoughts on the importance of art in not only inner-city student's lives but all student's lives?

Do you believe art can help with a child's development?

How as teacher's can we incorporate art in our classrooms if actual art programs are being cut from the school districts we teach at?