October is National Arts and Humanities Month
National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is a coast-to-coast collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. It is designed to encourage all Americans to explore new facets of the arts and humanities in their lives, and to begin a lifelong habit of active participation in the arts and humanities. Americans for the Arts have great resources for finding NAHM events near you so that everyone can join in the celebration. Click here to read President Obama's 2012 National Arts and Humanities Month proclamation.
National Core Arts Standards Update Session
Join the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards for a live update on the work of writing the next generation arts standards on Wednesday, October 3 at 3:00 p.m est. Links to the live stream along with an interactive blog for questions and comments can be found on the NCCAS website homepage. The first tier review of drafts will occur at the end of this year.
Governor's Awards for the Arts Held in Erie
The Governor's Awards were held Thursday, September 20 in Erie at the historic Warner Theater. Artists and arts leaders from across the state were in attendance, including Pennsylvania's First Lady and Council on the Arts Chairwoman, Susan Corbett. The Governor's Awards were just a small part of Erie's week-long arts celebration, WE LOVE ERIE (ART), that highlighted the array of arts opportunities the city on the lake has to offer.
PCA Receives National Accessibility Leadership Award
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) received the National Endowment for the Arts and National Assembly of State Arts Agencies' 2012 National Accessibility Leadership Award. This award recognizes and supports proven, effective programs or promising new initiatives that make the arts accessible to individuals with disabilities and/or older adults. The PCA received this year's award in recognition for their work with VSA Pennsylvania, an organization that works to help its cultural and educational colleagues to increase accessibility, provide inclusive arts education, and encourage and support careers in the arts for people with disabilities across the State.
Apply to Highlight Pittsburgh Arts on a National Level
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) is bringing the 2013 Americans for the Arts' (AFTA) Annual Convention to Pittsburgh on June 13-16. Convention visitors will be eager to experience Pittsburgh's artistic talent and arts venues firsthand, so AFTA is hosting a series of "ARTventure" tours that give attendees an opportunity to explore Pittsburgh's arts sites. Nominate your favorite artist, group, venue or yourself by October 22, 2012. Visit http://pittsburghartscouncil.org/momentum for more info.
AEC Publishes New Issue of "Translations"
The Arts Education Collaborative (AEC) published a second issue of their "Translations" series, which provides arts educators with highlights of prominent research pieces in education and ways in which that research can be realized in their classroom, school, district or arts and culture environment in a practical way. This issue focused on "Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind: 16 Essential Characteristics for Success," providing highlights from Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick's book of the same name.
Citizens for the Arts in PA Releases New Report
In celebration of Arts & Humanities Month, Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania will officially release the results of the Arts & Economic Prosperity IV: PA statewide study at a press conference in the Capitol Building on October 16, at 11 AM. They are encouraging all interested in the economic impact the arts make in our communities to share this report with their legislators. Contact Jenny Hershour for more information on this report and the activities surrounding its release.
Study Reveals Cost of Music Ed: Less Than Imagined
A new study funded by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation's Sounds of Learning research initiative reports that it's fairly economical to keep music education in schools if funding and cutting is balanced. The study was completed at the Center for Education Policy Analysis in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver and claims that it is reasonable to expect that each student receives a comprehensive music education.
PA Museums Calling for Session Proposals
PA Museums is hosting their Annual Statewide Museum Conference in Doylestown on April 2-3, 2013. They are currently accepting proposals for sessions that share best practices in advocacy, economic and community development, education, and cultural tourism. Applications are due by November 1, 2012.
Nominations Accepted for PA Museum Awards
Nominations are open for PA Museums' Special Achievement Awards. Each year, PA Museums recognizes the special achievements of museums and historical organizations in Pennsylvania. Please submit a nomination for a project, process, or individual that should be celebrated. Nominations are accepted through November 15, 2012.
Contribute to the PA State Historical Marker Program
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) invites individuals, public agencies and private organizations to nominate historic properties, people or events possessing statewide or national significance for PHMC's State Historical Marker Program. The State Historical Marker Program helps communities throughout Pennsylvania recognize, preserve and promote their history. The postmark deadline for nominations is December 1, 2012.
American Association of Museums Re-branded
After more than 100 years as the American Association of Museums, the organization is adapting and evolving to play a more central role in advancing the cause of museums. As the American Alliance of Museums, they are working to unite the country's museums from A to Z, art museums to zoos and everything in between, to make a broader impact. Visit http://aam-us.org/alliance to learn more about these changes and check out their sharp new logo.
