Arts Central receives grant for Artists in Schools program

Arts Central announced that it has received a $9,500 grant from Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to fund additional arts education services support for the Artists in Schools program.

Since 2001, Arts Central’s Artists in Schools program has brought enriching arts education to over 90,000 students by connecting talented, practicing artists with schools throughout Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.

Using an experiential learning model, instructors deliver unique, impactful curricula for a variety of learners and environments, and all residencies provide sequential, developmentally appropriate lessons that engage students to achieve Oregon Arts Content Standards.

According to Deborah Allen, Arts Central’s arts education director, “Providing these programs is the cornerstone of Arts Central’s mission because we know arts education has a powerful, positive outcome on the learning experience.

“Our residencies have a high level of customization and teacher interaction so having a staff person dedicated to coordinating day to day activities ensures we are able to continue delivering these high caliber, high impact arts education programs.”

Arts Central Executive Director Cate O’Hagan points to three recent examples where the Artists in Schools program created successful, long term partnerships with magnet and special designation schools.

At Bear Creek Elementary (dual-language immersion designation), arts classes were delivered in Spanish and focused on the cultural relevance of art.

At Juniper Elementary (technology magnet), iPads were used to show how art and technology work hand in hand.

And at Elk Meadow (arts designation), Arts Central delivered professional development and training to help teachers authentically integrate arts into their curriculum.

O’Hagan said, “It is a privilege to have nurtured such strong relationships with these schools, and others, in the region. We are so grateful to Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation for their generous support, which will allow us to continue building partnerships with teachers, schools and school districts.”

For more information about Artists in Schools, please contact Arts Central, 541-617-1317.