how important are the arts?

Very important, imo. Arts and sciences are culminations of human endeavor.

On the Baha'i Faith and the arts:

http://bahai-library.com/compilations/arts.html#I1

I can copy/paste, but it's so much, better to give an URL. I give this answer because this is R&S, and wanted to share the Baha'i beliefs regarding the arts.

Personally, I LOVE the arts, and they're vitally important. They raise IQ. They give people an outlet for creativity, and sometimes, for frustration. The arts reflect society and vice-versa, and it's really beautiful to stand back and look at what society has created, so to speak.

The arts make a person SOAR!!!

First of all, I'm an artist and a Libertarian, so this is all hypothetical thinking. I don't really agree with everything I'm about to say, just thinking.

I think that it is a very important field to culture, education, and just people in general...

However, aside from being a profession, it's mainly recreation, so I guess if they're making cuts, I understand why that would go.

Very important. Art represents the cultural evolution of its contemporary setting. The maturity of our culture provides an indicator for how far a civilization advances in terms of science and technology.

Without technological advancement, culture stagnates (as Dr. Mordin Solus put it).

Examples: The Italian Renaissance, impressionism, realism

The arts are very important. However, you are entitled to your own opinion. If you think the petition is correct, then sign it.

They are important if you value creativity, imagination, and sanity.