Kennedy Center to partner here
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has chosen Sarasota as the sixth partner city for Any Given Child, a program that creates a long-range arts education plan for students in grades K-8. The program will incorporate existing resources of the Sarasota public schools system, along with those of local arts organizations and the Kennedy Center to create a plan for arts education specific to the city. The city joins partnerships in Sacramento, Calif.; Springfield, Missouri; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Any Given Child seeks to bring access, balance and equity to each child's arts education, using an affordable model that combines the resources of the school district, local arts groups and the Kennedy Center.With the assistance of expert consultation services provided by Kennedy Center staff and other professionals, community leaders develop a long-range plan for arts education that is tailor-made for the school district and community.
"Sarasota is home to a wealth of vibrant arts organizations, and I commend Mayor Suzanne Atwell, Superintendent Dr. Lori White, and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for their commitment to enhancing the lives of Sarasota students," said Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser. "A strong arts education improves students' intellectual, personal and social development. The Kennedy Center wants to ensure that every child receives a solid, meaningful arts education from kindergarten through eighth grade."
By working with other local arts organizations and using existing resources, the program aims to create little administrative overhead, remaining affordable. The first phase of the program, a comprehensive audit of existing arts education resources and needs assessment by Kennedy Center staff and consultants, is the first step. A review of the community and the school system will reveal what arts education resources currently exist, and what arts organizations and other community groups offer. Based on this information, a plan is created. The audit process takes approximately six to nine months.
Any Given Child seeks to bring access, balance and equity to each child's arts education, using an affordable model that combines the resources of the school district, local arts groups and the Kennedy Center.With the assistance of expert consultation services provided by Kennedy Center staff and other professionals, community leaders develop a long-range plan for arts education that is tailor-made for the school district and community.
"Sarasota is home to a wealth of vibrant arts organizations, and I commend Mayor Suzanne Atwell, Superintendent Dr. Lori White, and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for their commitment to enhancing the lives of Sarasota students," said Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser. "A strong arts education improves students' intellectual, personal and social development. The Kennedy Center wants to ensure that every child receives a solid, meaningful arts education from kindergarten through eighth grade."
By working with other local arts organizations and using existing resources, the program aims to create little administrative overhead, remaining affordable. The first phase of the program, a comprehensive audit of existing arts education resources and needs assessment by Kennedy Center staff and consultants, is the first step. A review of the community and the school system will reveal what arts education resources currently exist, and what arts organizations and other community groups offer. Based on this information, a plan is created. The audit process takes approximately six to nine months.