arts in education (or lack there of) begs the question - nature or nurture?

Hi all,
I came across a blog piece in the New York Times this morning - Arts Programs in Academia Are Forced to Nip Here, Adjust There. It's nothing we haven't read before here in America. The economic situation here, that is now echoed around the world, has had an impact on the arts in education. An impact that is seeing art and music being scaled back in some places and cut completely from many more schools. I am visiting family in the Midwest at present and overheard two parents talking the other day. A father was lamenting that he didn't know if his 7 year old daughter was going to be taught art or music this year - it would depend on her home room teacher because the school no longer employs an art or music teacher. Again, even though it no longer comes as a shock that schools are cutting back on the arts, it still makes me sad. What a short-hand for this next generation of would-be artists - or would they be? It all comes back to the nature vs. nurture question for me. I've always been curious about how and why we develop our artistic passions and pursuits. Was I born to be a singer/musician? Or did the fact that my father played the piano every day influence me? Is it both? I like to believe that you are born with a pre-determined passion to be an artist and will you seek it out, no matter the cost, if it isn't taught in school. But I also believe that you are influenced by what you are surrounded by.

I wonder what the next generation of artists will bring. Will it be a waning passion from lack of exposure? Or a burning passion like none before because they've had to work harder to bring it to their lives?

I think as the 'older' generation, a great responsibility falls on us, to keep the artistic hunger alive and well. To fuel the younger artists with inspiration to seek out art if it is not readily accessible to them.

What do you think?