The provincial government announced today that additional funding will be provided this year for three arts-in-education programs.
Education Minister Darin King announced details while visiting students at Larkhall Academy in St. John’s.
“Each year, funding is provided through our Cultural Connections strategy to better connect artists with students,” King said. “This year an additional $100,000 is being made available, bringing the total amount for our arts in education programs to $320,000. This will mean more artists will meet more students, further increasing the presence of Newfoundland and Labrador culture, heritage and art in our schools.”
The grants are being administered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC).
“The NLAC is very proud of the success of ArtsSmarts, the Visiting Artist Program, and the School Touring Program,” said Reg Winsor, executive director of the NLAC.
“It is a pleasure to partner with the Department of Education in delivering these innovative and engaging programs.”
The ArtsSmarts program seeks to integrate art throughout standard school curriculum, to develop intellectual and communication skills in children through active participation in the arts, and to enhance appreciation for culture and art.
The Visiting Artists Program (VAP) supports initiatives to bring the province’s artists into schools. Schools can apply for funding to have an artist, group of artists, or arts organization come to the school to do such things as present work, conduct readings, offer performances, and lead arts workshops with students. This program opens doors for teachers to invite artists into their classrooms.
The School Touring Program (STP) is an original program created through the Cultural Connections initiative. This program is distinct from ArtsSmarts and VAP in that it provides students with access to artistic experiences by providing financial assistance to professional artists and arts organizations for touring productions to more than one school. A full tour consists of at least 10 presentations/performances, or seven if the tour includes one school in Labrador. An artist or organization can only receive one STP grant per school year.
Applications for the arts in education programs can be made to the NLAC. Schools apply for the ArtsSmarts and Visiting Artists Program, and individual artists, groups, and non-profit arts organizations apply for the School Touring Program. Information and application forms are available online at www.nlac.nf.ca or at the NLAC office at 709-726-2212 or toll-free at 1-866-726-2212.