Arts Education Network News September 2003

In this Issue:

Activism
Activism, an avant-garde movement in Hungary, was marked by joint attempts of literature and fine arts. Its establishment is related to Lajos Kassák who invited progressive artists, philosophers and writers to work for A Tett (The Action, the name indicates that the journal was closely related to the German Die Aktion) published in 1915-16, and later for the journal MA when A TETT was banned. Its mentality related to major foreign avant-garde journals: similarly to the wish to reform society, it attempted to change arts radically. http://hungart.euroweb.hu/tours/aktivi_e.html

There is important work to be done.
The anniversary of "I Have a Dream"* and Dr.King's important message of joining hands and working together has inspired folks to develop community as a way to conquer problems and promote change. With summer shootings, ongoing war (do we really have $87 billion dollars left for this?), economy (and associated budgets) shrinking, and the pace of everyday life increasing...the arts education community has plenty to address, and a very large responsibility. We must give our students, our future leaders, the strong, flexible tools to shape a better world. *(For audio play of this historic speech, and the controversial words of others, go to: http://www.webcorp.com/civilrights/mlk.htm)

It is not news that the arts engage students and inspire them with the desire to learn more.

SO, how do we deepen that model and nurture a social conscience too?

(This is not a trick question...if anyone has the real answer, we'd love to know).

In New York State, a social conscience IS growing among arts education communities in spite of diminishing resources. Grassroots networks of professionals are increasing their ability to identify regional needs, and then, reach out to colleague artists and educators for answers. Methods for coping with inequity, violence, teacher shortages, budget cuts, artist training, and students at risk are being shared through increased and targeted communication.

How can you generate social change through the arts?
New York State has regional centers for arts education advocacy. You may not realize that there is a hotbed of learning and progress in your own neighborhood. The following list may help you to find your community. All of the contacts for your region are linked or available at our website, you can also call us 315-234-9911 directly.

Arts Education Roundtables (AER) are for you, if you are:
... an individual artist, and love working with students, but need a guide to navigate the complex web of school policies, shortcomings, and potential....

OR a vibrant teacher with a strong belief in hands-on, integrated learning, and a passion/curiosity for music, theater, dance, literature, or visual art...

OR a committed citizen that knows of cultural resources in your community that seem to be underused by educators...

AERs exist for Western (Buffalo/Rochester), Central, Adirondack, Long Island, Capitol, Hudson, NY City Elementary, Middle, and High School communities. These consortia are simple meeting grounds for anyone with an interest in the arts in education. They have formal and informal gatherings, workshops, and nifty colleagues to keep the community alive. The roundtable in your area can be found on the NYSCA website after the general art resources listing: at    http://nysca.org/public/artresources_arts_ed.html 

Local Capacity Building (LCB) sites are for you if you are:
...teaching to a specific idea/standard and know that you and your students will find greater meaning if you could just connect the learning through movement or imagery.

OR developing a creative work and know that you can enrich your expression if your manipulate the elements and interact with students to extend the concepts.

OR  noticing a problem in the community that might be resolved through partnerships between schools and cultural organizations.

AND you need some money and guidance to make it happen!

LCBs exist in every county in NYS. Some are administered through arts councils, some through cultural organizations. The NYS Council on the Arts provides funds for each region to regrant locally...because they know, that you know what is best for your unique community.

Find your LCB at: www.nysca.org/public/artresources_capacity.html or at end of this e-news.  

Regional Leadership Networks (RLN) are a resource for you if:
...you have received funding from NYSCA and want to fine-tune the planning, implementation, or assessment practices in your arts education partnership.

 OR you have not received funding from NYSCA but have been involved in a long-term arts education partnership and want to find colleagues in your area that speak the same technical language of learning through the arts.

OR if you have participated in some kind of arts education partnership and you suspect that there are experts in your area that know about research and practice that will validate the impact of arts education for your community.
RLNs have been established by NYSCA Empire State Partnerships as regional teams of experienced artists and educators that have participated for years in sustained, school-wide improvement partnerships, have the skills to train colleagues, and have gathered annually for a summit seminar with state and national leaders. Your RLN is listed at  www.nysca.org/public/artresources_arts_ed.html  

AEFunding for CNY & NYS
All of these grant applications are NOW available on line at www.arts4ed.org  
$$ available from PAE this season include:

art$TART: Up to $2500 for CNY arts education partnerships. Deadline October 31.

SAP (School Arts Partnership): Up to $10,000 for NYS partnerships. Deadline October 31.

TAP(Technical Assistance Program): Up to $1000 for NYS artists, educators, & culturals for professional development and curriculum support.Deadline October 1(also 3/1 & 6/1).

Central New York Resources and Information
BOCES Regional Arts in Education Services - Your school may be eligible to fund arts education programs with BOCES participation for more information contact bdubois@oswegoboces.org.

CNY Institute for Aesthetic Education - Aesthetic units of study are always a great way to begin your arts education learning in your school. For information about performances/exhibits and professional teaching artists to work with your curriculum contact mwheeler@oswegoboces.org .

Website of the Month
Arts & Activism , Educational Center for the Arts has a site where the activist words of students have been installed and visitors are invited to participate in creative message making. Make your statement! http://www.eggplant.org/projects/eca/index.html

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Our staff is always available to help you!

Partners for Arts Education ~ Delevan Studio 221 ~ 501 West Fayette Street ~ Syracuse ~ NY ~ 13204

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.

The Arts Education Network News is a free service of Partners for Arts Education. All of our programs are made possible with public funds from the NYS Council on the Arts and individual sponsors.

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