Amid all the current discussion of the value of a liberal education, and the pressure on colleges and universities to articulate benefits and career outcomes, the role of the arts is particularly important. In this article, the author explores the place of the creative and performing arts in a liberal education. He stresses that on campuses, educators need to articulate the importance of the arts (including performing and fine arts), be clear about the "fit" of arts programs and courses within their missions and their curricula, and affirm the lasting social and community impact of students and graduates whose education values creativity, performance, and art-making.