HOT SPRINGS -- Arkansas Learning Through the Arts leaders said they hope to expand the program across the state through a new partnership with Young Audiences Arts for Learning.
A resolution in the U.S. House recently designated April 9-22 as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Weeks to honor the contributions Young Audiences has made to schools through arts-in-education programs.
The program reaches more than 5 million students each year through 32 affiliates and more than 8,900 partnering institutions, which sponsor 80,000 performance demonstrations, workshops and teacher services provided by 4,500 teaching artists.
"We are thrilled to welcome ALTTA to the YA network," said David Dik, national executive director of Young Audiences. "Each new affiliate brings a passionate staff and board that will strengthen the YA network."
Arkansas Learning Through The Arts joined the Young Audiences Arts network because of the similarity of mission and purpose, as well as the possibility of working with others around the country who are implementing arts- and curriculum-based education programs at all academic levels.
The local program was the brainchild of Hot Springs Village resident Martha Smither with inspiration from the Young Audiences in Dallas, which is now known as Big Thought.
The Dallas affiliate began 30 years ago with six artist groups creating workshops integrating student learning. Teachers embraced the program after they witnessed its positive effect on student participation.
"Today, the organization places artist programs everywhere children and their families go, from after-school programs in community centers and churches to public libraries," Smither said. "Their impact on Dallas-area children has been significant. My hope is that we can re-create the same in Arkansas."
Arkansas Learning Through The Arts was formed in March 2012 to encourage students to learn by integrating the arts into the educational experience. The group's programs, custom tailored to school curricula, are meant to make connections among three usually disparate groups -- certified art teachers, certified nonarts teachers and professional artists -- to bring the arts into classrooms as part of an integrated learning experience.
Metro on 04/26/2017