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The Art of Impact: The Economic Case for Arts Education
May 3, 2025
10:00am
Hahn Hall
Free with RSVP
Events in This Series
23
Jun
7:00pm
Jeremy Denk
Denk, Denim, & Diamonds
25
Jun
8:00pm
Lang Lang
Rhapsody in Blue
27
Jun
7:30pm
Yo-Yo Ma
Cello Concerto No. 1
29
Jun
7:00pm
Andrea Bocelli
An Evening with Andrea Bocelli
01
Jul
8:00pm
Vladimir Ashkenazy
Beethoven Piano Concertos
03
Jul
7:30pm
Anne-Sophie Mutter
Mozart Violin Concertos
You’re invited:
The Art of Impact: The Economic Case for Arts Education
A Community Conversation on the Future of Creative Learning in Santa Barbara County
Featuring a performance by members of the Sing! Children’s Choir
Join us for a meaningful morning dedicated to the future of arts education in the Santa Barbara community. The event begins with coffee and connection at 9:30 AM, offering space to engage with fellow parents, educators, administrators, and community members who care deeply about creative learning.
We are honored to welcome Professor Peter Rupert, Director of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project and Associate Director of the Laboratory for Aggregate Economics and Finance, as our keynote speaker. Professor Rupert will present new research that illustrates the measurable economic value of robust arts and music programs in public schools—an especially relevant discussion as districts face challenging financial decisions.
This compelling presentation will offer clear, data-driven insights on the power of arts education—not just for students' academic and emotional growth, but for the long-term economic health and vitality of our community.
Following the presentation, guests will have the valuable opportunity to tour the Miraflores Campus and connect with others who share a commitment to preserving these educational experiences for all Santa Barbara County students during this pivotal moment.
Ticket Prices
Space is limited. Please RSVP by April 26.
*Excludes taxes & fees
Space is limited. Please RSVP by April 28.
Event Itinerary
- 9:30 am: Coffee & Connection
- 10 am: Program
- 11 am: Campus Tour
Who Should Attend
Parents
Educators
School and District Administrators
Community Members
Advocates for Arts & Music Education
SPEAKER
PROFESSOR PETER RUPERT

About Peter Rupert
Peter Rupert is a Professor of Economics at the University of California at Santa Barbara, the Director of the Economic Forecast Project, and the Associate Director of the Laboratory for Aggregate Economics and Finance at UCSB.. He is a professor of economics and former Chair of the UCSB Department of Economics. He is Associate Director of the UCSB Laboratory for Aggregate Economics and Finance, founded by Nobel Laureate Finn Kydland. He is an Editor of the European Economic Review and Labour Economics. Prior to joining UCSB, Dr. Rupert spent 12 years as a Senior Economic Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Dr. Rupert has held appointments at the University of Western Ontario, State University of New York at Buffalo, West Virginia University, the University of Southern California, and University of London. Dr. Rupert earned his B.S. from Santa Clara University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. at University of Rochester. His areas of specialization include macroeconomics, monetary economics, economics of the criminal justice system, labor, and household economics.
EVENT SPONSORS
Sponsor Organizations
Santa Barbara Education Foundation
Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation
Santa Barbara County Education Office
Music Academy of the West
VENUE

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