The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon’s Post

Arts organisation partnerships with Teacher Education Faculties offer an amazing opportunity for student teachers to experience education through the lens of creativity, collaboration, and, most importantly, joy. By engaging with professional artists, student teachers gain insight into diverse ways of thinking, innovative teaching approaches, and how to inspire and empower young people. A great example of this is the TheArkDublin partnership with the School of Arts Education and Movement here at Dublin City University. This collaboration shows how the arts can enrich teacher education—demonstrating how meaningful, hands-on engagement with the arts fosters a deeper understanding of teaching as an art form in itself. Check out the video below to see what we've been up to so far! The plans for Semester 2 are even more exciting, and will include introducing 450 student teachers to children’s theatre, as well as early years drama projects, music projects, and lots more. By partnering with an arts organisations, we’re helping to shape the next generation of educators to be equipped to teach with imagination, empathy, and an experience based appreciation of the power of the arts in education. We're really grateful to The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Marcella Bannon for the support. #ArtsEducation #CreativeClassrooms #FutureEducators #ArtsPartnerships #DCU #TheArk #JoyInTeaching #StudentTeachers #ArtsInAction

This report isn’t just about the UK’s creative future; it’s a model for supporting and elevating the arts on a global stage! On the 14th of March 2024, at the Labour Creatives Conference, the Labour Party launched its comprehensive “Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Sector Plan.” This ambitious strategy marks a pivotal shift towards positioning the creative industries as an engine for economic growth, inclusion, and broad public engagement. Labour’s plan promises substantial investment in creative education, with initiatives like a National Music Education Network and apprenticeship reform. By supporting public and private funding models, strengthening institutions, and ensuring equitable access, this roadmap offers a transformative vision for CCIs. Full report; https://lnkd.in/dqxCM8wJ #CreativeIndustries #LabourCreatives #CulturalSector #ArtsInvestment #CreativeEconomy #InnovationInCCIs #LabourParty #UKCreatives #InclusiveGrowth #GlobalCreativeEconomy #CreativeFuture #ArtsAndCulture #CreativeEducation

Today is the last day to register online for the 25th Annual Partners for Justice Conference! Want to learn what types of panels will be offered? Learn more about one of our sessions, Empowering Futures: A Framework for Positive Youth Justice Strategy: “Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in progressive law within the realm of youth justice. Notably, in 2016, the Supreme Court ruled against mandatory life without parole sentences for youth, marking a pivotal moment in legal history. Our session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these transformative legal changes affecting youth. We will discuss briefly the practical implementation of these laws, shedding light on their implications, side effects, and the victories or setbacks associated with their enforcement. Moreover, we will assess the current state of youth justice, delving into the challenges faced by young individuals in communities, education, and the legal justice system, and particularly following the COVID-19 Pandemic. Highlighting the 2024 session, we will explore any noteworthy updates and share insights into ongoing efforts focused on progressive policy development. Join us as we analyze the dynamic landscape of youth justice, reflecting on the past, evaluating the present, and envisioning a future shaped by forward-thinking policies.”    Panelists include Payton Aldridge (Disability Rights Maryland), Levi Bradford (Public Justice Center), and Aarti Sidhu (Maryland Office of the Public Defender) with Dave Pantzer (Maryland Legal Services Corporation) moderating. Read more about the panel sessions that will be offered and register today at https://lnkd.in/gQzWfegr! 

The decline in arts education, particularly in drama and performing arts, has left a significant gap in children's development. Many lack the confidence, skills, and creative experiences crucial for success in life. In these challenging times, our work is more crucial than ever. We're responding to these challenges head-on with programmes designed to build skills and confidence for life, giving children the chance to shine through ambitious, challenging experiences. We're committed to empowering young people, fostering creativity, and building the skills they need to thrive. 🫶🏿 https://buff.ly/4eGztAY

📢 On Friday, May 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET, NYC's Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) will hold an online public hearing on a proposed a change to city regulations that would permanently implement the emergency rule guiding DCLA’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF). This rule would formalize the current CDF process, and codify parameters such as applicant eligibility, guidelines for the panel process, and more. 🤔 What this means: Advocates from across the NYC arts and culture sector have been demanding greater transparency and more equitable distribution of funds. The proposed amendment doesn’t adequately address these concerns. This could pose difficulties for dance workers and organizations—impacting their access to funding, job opportunities, and overall participation in New York City's cultural scene. 🧑🏾💻 What you can do: Sign up to testify at the May 10 public hearing via Zoom. Deadline to register is Friday, May 3, 2024. Written comments can be submitted via email or online form until Friday, May 10, 2024. Register at https://lnkd.in/eDReWHH7 🗣️ Let’s ensure that their new rules incorporate the recommendations from the arts and culture sector for a more transparent and equitable CDF process. To review the full text of the amendment: https://lnkd.in/eTheQVRx To review the Culture & Arts Policy Institute’s annotated version of the amendment: https://lnkd.in/eP3ErDxC

🎨 Investing in Creativity: CAA Awards Art for All Grants to Walton County Teachers The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) is proud to announce $9,500 in Art for All grants have been awarded to Walton County teachers, enriching arts education for over 900 K-12 students! These grants will fund creative projects across 14 classrooms in 9 schools, empowering students through visual, literary, and performing arts experiences. For decades, the CAA has supported arts education by awarding more than $855,000 in grants. “By investing in arts education, we empower young minds to think critically, express themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” said CAA President & CEO Jennifer Steele. 🤩Applications for Art for All grants are open! Teachers, students, and artists can apply at https://lnkd.in/eqJZEZuB. The next deadline is May 15, 2025. 🌟 #ArtForAll #ArtsEducation #CreativityInSchools #WaltonCounty #SupportTheArts #CAAInvests #ArtMatters #WeAreTheCAA #SupportTheArts #LocalArt #NorthwestFlorida #EmeraldCoast #UpsideOfFlorida #SouthWalton #30A #SoWal

Have your say on Birmingham City Council's strategy for arts and culture! 'Arts and culture' is important to us all. From the city's incredible fine art collections to our vibrant and historic theatre, music and nightlife scene. This city is alive with art and culture. As such a young city, this is a vital part of how we socialise, learn and grow as people. As well as how we seek joy and comfort in trying times. In a time of so much change for the city, these consultations are happening rapidly, and often aren't open long enough for word to get around to those the decisions really impact. So having your say is more important than ever, as is sharing the opportunity for others, especially those whose voices are often least heard on these subjects. There is a survey up until the 11th of December which you can complete here: https://lnkd.in/egmyDua5 and also comes with a 'tool kit' for conducting a workshop with a group to compile a response. So I urge you to send the survey link around and if you work for an organisation who works with communities, either help individuals to complete the survey, or use the toolkit to conduct a workshop for an impactful group response. There's also a limited number of spaces for 'community leaders' to attend an online workshop where the new draft developing strategy for the city will be shared along side discussion about arts and culture. Contact togetheronculture@creativeconcern.com to request a spot on the workshop along with any further info.

“Is a 40-hour week still feasible for performing arts students?” A compelling question, recently posed by Randall Whittaker, Principal of Rose Bruford College, in Times Higher Education (article linked in the comments). It feels like much of the sector is thinking it and mulling it over - albeit quietly for fear of breaking from legacy and tradition. But it is something we really need to dive into and examine. Much of training has historically been anchored into “hard work”, which has been synonymously linked with long hours. But is this what’s required? Especially if we, as a sector, are genuinely committed to diversifying cohorts and opening up access to the industry (and the training systems that feed that machine!). How might we work smart and not just hard? What might that look like? In my recent blog post, "Breaking the Class Ceiling: Reimagining Diversity in Arts Education and Creative Industries", I explore this issue and its implications for diversity and accessibility in the performing arts. Some key points include: 1. Time constraints significantly impact diversity in arts education 2. There's a pressing need for more flexible learning models 3. We must balance rigorous training with improved accessibility As educators and industry professionals, it's crucial that we address these challenges to ensure a vibrant, diverse future for the performing arts. How can we make arts education more accessible without compromising on quality? What innovative models have you seen or implemented? As ever, comments are enabled and I welcome thoughts: let's continue this important conversation. #ArtsEducation #Diversity #PerformingArts #HigherEducation #CreativeIndustries https://lnkd.in/eHTRhXN4

The arts offer a multitude of benefits in education, from boosting learning and brain function to fostering cultural awareness. They are essential for a well-rounded education, which is why we value and incorporate art and music in our core curriculum. Explore more about how the arts enhance education: https://bit.ly/3WNdVNS

The systems have failed young people. Over the course of Speak Up from its inception in the pandemic to now, resources for young people have been squeezed and yet exposure to our turbulent and fragile world has increased. Where do young people go to understand the world they live in, themselves and make sense of their future? I have spoken to many teachers who tell me how much pressure there is to achieve results and churn out the same curriculums in a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Young people tell me they feel overwhelmed by the academic pressure at school and are not able to be a child anymore. Programmes like Speak Up shouldn’t have to exist. As a response to the inequalities across England, Speak Up has been delivering weekly sessions in schools for young people aged 12-16 with local artists for over two years. In Speak Up we explore different art forms and talk about the issues that are impacting young people, locally and nationally. Through creating artwork in a range of mediums young people can voice their opinions, ideas and express their hopes for their future. Creativity is an outlet and we have seen the positive impact having access to a creative space each week with adults who are willing to listen, and take seriously the concerns of young people, has. Imagine, if young people had access to decision making about what effects their lives, they had a regular creative outlet in school, wellbeing resources were easily accessed and the adults in power modelled empathy, honesty and fairness. We’ve wrapped up the second year of Speak Up and I have been so inspired by the bravery of the young people who have shared their artwork with their peers and audiences. I have put together some highlights on a blog sharing just a few of the projects happening across 11 areas of England where Speak Up takes place. As I plan with my team the next steps of action we will take into the third year of the programme, I am excited by the prospect of how we will share the work even further. Our message is that all young people should have access to arts. Through the arts we can tell stories, change hearts and minds and expose injustices. With the partner venues Speak Up works with, artists and teachers across the country we want to see young people’s voices amplified so that those in power can better understand the needs of young people to make meaningful change. To find out more about the #NTSpeakUp movement read on. https://lnkd.in/es476c-P