Arts Orange County Deputy Director Pat Wayne recently attended the APASO 2014 Conference in Chicago (Association of Performing Arts Service Organizations). Attended by over 67 representatives from cities across the United States and Canada, participants spent three days together working to improve services to the arts field and share best practices. Pictured is a breakout group that focused on effective and powerful strategies to communicate the value of the arts to the greater community. Left to right are Pat Wayne, Terence McFarland, LA Stage Alliance (Los Angeles); Heather Hartley, Audience Architects (Chicago); Catherine Peterson, Arts Boston; Felicia Holman, HoneyPot Performance (Chicago); Linda Levy, theatreWashington;  John McEwen, New Jersey Theatre Alliance; Karen Lane, Theatre Puget Sound (Seattle); and David Pankratz, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.

ARTS IN CORRECTIONS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS DEADLINE IS MAY 27

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Arts Council are seeking artists to work for a rehabilitative arts program opening at prisons statewide.

The Arts in Corrections programs will offer an array of performing, literary and visual arts disciplines, such as theater, music, creative writing, poetry, painting, drawing and sculpture.  "Research has shown that structured arts programs improve inmates' problem-solving skills and self-discipline and increase their patience and their ability to work with others," said CDCR Secretary Jeff Beard. "These programs also direct inmates' energy in a positive direction, promote positive social interaction and lower tension levels, resulting in a safer environment for inmates and staff."

CDCR has a long history of providing arts programs, as institutions and community organizations have partnered to offer visual and performing arts programs to inmates. CDCR has committed $1 million funding to add structured, contracted Arts-in-Corrections programs in select state prisons. CDCR is also committed to a second year of support for fiscal year 2014-15. The funds will be administered by the California Arts Council. Use of funds is subject to review by state control agencies.

"This investment will help inmates develop skills that may help them get jobs when they are released, which would help reduce recidivism and victimization," Beard added.

"The California Arts Council commends Secretary Beard on this investment. Arts engagement is a valuable rehabilitation method that can provide positive change for inmates and for communities across our state," said Wylie Aitken, Chair of the California Arts Council. "The Arts Council looks forward to partnering with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and to working with arts organizations on the development of these new Arts-in-Corrections programs."

The California Arts Council is now seeking providers. Interested arts organizations will be considered through an open Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Proposals must be received by May 27, 2014. CDCR and the Arts Council will conduct webinar for interested parties on Thursday, May 15, at 3 pm.

Click here to review the RFP process. For more information on providing services, contact Mary Beth Barber at the California Arts Council at (916) 322-6588.