Seven papers focus on the role of the arts with gifted students. E. Larsh presents an historical perspective, citing the existence of innovative arts programs as well as the vulnerability of arts budgets in terms of fiscal crisis. Larsh discusses recommendations from the National Forum on the Arts and the Gifted, including collection and dissemination of existing curricula and program models. M. Sidlin, symphony conductor, considers music as a statement of human conviction, and recommends a program of music literacy for grades K-12. Musician L. Hollander adds his personal experiences, while C. Wing, Jr. addresses issues involved in identification of artistically talented students. Musically talented students are the topic of R. Petzold's paper. C. Dorn suggests construction of criterion referenced arts evaluation procedures supervised by a national testing agency. A paper prepared by staff members of several of the major national associations on behalf of the Assembly of National Arts Education Organizations addresses roles for professional arts education. In a final paper, H. Burgart reviews the needs of avocational arts education. (CL)