IEA Newsletter for Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Welcome to the Institute for Education and the Arts’ weekly newsletter for January 9, 2008. The newsletter is published each Wednesday to the IEA email group and is archived here on the IEA blog.

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AN APOLOGY
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We apologize that a series of technical difficulties have prevented us from sending this newsletter recently. We have temporarily switched to a group email list in order to continue our newsletters to you.

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DC EVENT: THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE
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THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE
American University, 1/12/08
The School of Education, Teaching & Health and District of Columbia Public Schools, Department of Art Education, will launch The Art of Architecture, a curriculum guide for elementary and secondary classrooms designed by DCPS visual arts teachers, on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at the American University Katzen Arts Center, from 9:30am – 2pm. For information, call 202-885-3720.


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ARTS ADVOCACY DAY
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21ST ANNUAL ARTS ADVOCACY DAY
March 31 – April 2008, Washington, DC
Announced by the Americans for the Arts
“The 21st annual Arts Advocacy Day is the only national event that brings together a broad cross section of America’s cultural and civic organizations, along with hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the country, to underscore the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts. Learn how to lobby Congress, network with other attendees, and be heard.” The Nancy Hanks lecture will be delivered by best-selling author Daniel Pink.
Learn more>>


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WHO USES LIBRARIES? YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED
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STUDY: YOUNG ADULTS HEAVY LIBRARY USERS
Anick Jesdanun, Associated Press/Washington Post, 12/30/07
“Young adults are the heaviest users of public libraries despite the ease with which they can access a wealth of information over the Internet from the comforts of their homes, according to a new study …Education-related tasks _ making decisions about schooling, paying for it and getting job training _ are the most common problems drawing people to libraries, according to a joint study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign … And people are going to libraries not only for the Internet computers there but also for library reference books, newspapers and magazines. ‘It was truly surprising in this survey to find the youngest adults are the heaviest library users,’ [Lee]Rainie [Pew’s director] said.” The study contrasts with a 1996 Benton Foundation report that found that users aged 18-24 were the “least enthusiastic boosters” of libraries.
Read more>>


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ARTS IN SCHOOL
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ART OF SCHOOLING
Portland (OR) Tribune, 12/11/07
”There’s a quirky, creative spirit at Buckman Elementary that can be explained by only one thing: art. Hallways and stairwells have been transformed into galleries of student and artist works. Classrooms resemble happily cluttered artist studios. The curriculum is infused with visual art, music, drama and dance. Even subjects like math and science are taught through a lens of creativity here, at Portland Public Schools’ only arts magnet school. Integrating arts into everyday learning is an approach many national studies have linked to increased reading and math skills, higher thinking and social skills, and more overall success in school and life.”
Learn more>>


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THE ARTS AND MEDICINE
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GOOD VIBRATIONS: ARTS-IN-MEDICINE PROGRAMS AIM TO HEAL BY CUTTING STRESS, PROMOTING GOOD FEELINGS
Winston-Salem (NC) Journal, 1/2/08
”When Robyn L’Heureux checked into Tampa General Hospital earlier this year to receive a new heart, she knew that the road to recovery would be arduous. After six weeks, she was back in her Tampa home, on the mend from a life-saving transplant. But she has more to thank than her doctors and nurses. Mozart and the Beatles, of all people, played a part in her return to health. ‘You get depressed being in a hospital for that long, and music helps put you in another world,’ said L’Heureux, 54. ‘You forget the aches and pains, and it raises your spirits.’ L’Heureux didn’t just listen to recordings; musicians came to her room and performed live, everything from classical to jazz to pop to original works. It kept her focused on the positive.”
Read more>>


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GRANTS AND AWARDS
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COMING UP TALLER AWARDS
Deadline: 1/31/08
”Each year the Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and reward excellence in after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. Award recipients receive $10,000 each, an individualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. We encourage programs initiated by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, colleges, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, businesses, and eligible government entities to consider participating.”
Learn more>>

2008 SMART KIDS YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Deadline: 1/31/08
“Nominations are now open for the fifth annual Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Youth Achievement Award. This $1,000 award recognizing the strengths and accomplishments of young people with learning disabilities and ADHD will be given to a student 19 or younger who has demonstrated initiative, talent, and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field—including art, music, science, math, athletics or community service. Honorable Mentions will also be awarded.”
Learn more>>

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