FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2007

What: Big Thought learning partnership presents education partnership information
When: Thursday, May 10, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: The Redhouse, 201 South West Street (corner of West Fayette), Syracuse
Who: public meeting for anyone interested in education

Education - the Next Step Towards the Creative Economy  

When Richard Florida came to town, he generated a lot of excitement about the idea of the “creative revolution,” and building truly innovative and prosperous cities that can be successful in the 21st century economy. That enthusiasm and inspiration next must be transformed into actions that can take Syracuse from the rust belt to the cutting edge.

Where do we start? With the children. 

As schools adapt to the requirements of the changing global economy, creative thinking, communications skills, and collaborative approaches to problem-solving are the capabilities that business leaders are asking for.  How can the educational system help our children expand their proficiency in these skills?

Big Thought, the Texas-based learning partnership that uses the arts to build skills and encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, is coming to Syracuse to show how education for the 21st century could work.  

The “big thought” is that a community, working together, can lift children up and better their lives using arts and culture as tools and catalysts. Research has shown that a collaboration of traditional educators, artists, writers, and performers can significantly improve learning across curriculum areas.

Partners for Arts Education is hosting Big Thought representatives as they meet with focus groups from Syracuse City School District, the Arts and Culture Leadership Alliance, and Central New York education resource leaders on May 9. The public will be invited to an information session at 1:00 pm on May 10 at The Redhouse, 201 S. West St. in Syracuse.

In a Big Thought-style project, schools, cultural organizations, community agencies, and public and private funders form multi-year, sustainable partnerships to consolidate local arts and learning resources into one coherent vision for education, resulting in long-term benefit for the community.

###

Partners for Arts Education inspires learning and leadership for arts in education in Central New York and throughout New York State. We provide funding and support to deepen and enrich educational experiences in and through the arts for students, teachers and artists.

Partners for Arts Education
Delavan Center Suite 221  501 W. Fayette St.  Syracuse, NY  13202
315.234.9911  info@arts4ed.org  www.arts4ed.org

State of the Arts

NYSCA