The Arts
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DC Collaborative Strategic Planning Retreat
June 14, 2012
(Washington, DC)— The DC Collaborative began their strategic planning retreat on June 14 at the Harman Performing Arts Center. Mary Ann de Barbieri, the retreat facilitator, guided the board through the Collaborative’s strategic planning process. Strategic planning is an organization's process of defining its strategic direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy.
During the strategic planning, the board had to go over three key questions:"What do we do?", “What service do we provide?", "Whom do we work for?" The board discussed not only the scope and the framework of the organization now and in the future but explored issues such as “What does the Collaborative organization do that no one else does?"
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
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DC Collaborative Arts for Every Student (AFES) 2012 Spring Teacher Orientation
May 22, 2012
(Washington, DC)- The DC Collaborative hosted the Arts for Every Student Spring 2012 Teacher Orientation and Member Fair on May 22 in The Kennedy Center. 80 teachers from public and public charter schools across the District attended the event, where they were able to speak directly with representatives from our member organizations about upcoming summer programs and scheduled programming for the next school year.
Following the member fair, Shakespeare Theatre actors Jim Gagne and George Grant presented a scene from Henry VI, Part III. The performance was followed by brief presentations from Marcy Spiro of Shakespeare Theatre Company; Kendall Casey from the DAR Museum; and Alexe Nowakowski from CityDance, followed by a CityDance performance.
A review of the AFES trip reservation process was conducted and a teacher Q & A session followed.
The DC Collaborative will be hosting another orientation session at 4pm on August 23 at Source Theatre for any teachers who were unable to make this one. Stay tuned for more details!
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
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DCAHEC Members Meeting: Working Together To Connect With Young Learners
May 17, 2012
(Washington, DC)- Members gathered at the National Gallery of Art on May 17 for the Spring Members Meeting that included an exploration of how creative departments and education departments at member organizations interact and plan with one another to develop vibrant programming and engaging organizations.
Septime Webre, Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet, joined Katrina Toews, Director of The Washington Ballet @ THEARC, to share anecdotes and a larger philosophical approach of incorporating more diverse and contemporary expression into the ballet repertory as a means to engage with younger learners and more varied audiences. "Our programs are invigorated by diverse voices and we develop programs to reflect a variety of cultures and points of view," Webre said.
Toews shared an overview of the Washington Ballet company's education programs, including Dance DC and the Washington Ballet at THEARC. Arena Stage's Director of Community Engagement Anita Maynard-Losh and Arena's Literary Manager Amrita Ramanan also joined the panel and outlined the ways Arena team members often wear both the artistic-development and education hats.
Members posed compelling questions to the panel and the discussion covered ways to build more consistently diverse audiences as well as strategies for connecting to teachers in order to increase their participation at member sites, especially to the vast resources at the Smithsonian. "It was an important chapter in an on-going conversation about delivering the highest-quality arts education to the most learners here in DC," remarked one participant.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
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DC Collaborative Hosts Annual Patriotic Fundraiser
April 25, 2012
(Washington, DC)- The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative hosted the Second Annual Patriotic Arts Celebration at Lincoln Restaurant on April 25. Guests enjoy the night celebrating arts education with music, wine, and Lincoln’s signature hors d’oeuvres.
Jubilant performances from the DC Youth Orchestra, a musical soundscape by DC Jahsonic, and a guest raffle were highlights of the event. Raffle prizes were donated by Discovery Communications, Time Magazine, YELP, the National Philharmonic, Shakespeare Theater, Artists Cherie Lester and Marielle Mariano, Folger Shakespeare Library, The Studio Theater, Avatar Wellness, Blue Banana Sports Bar and more. Items donated for the newly created silent auction included $50-100 certificates and other great gifts.
We send special thanks to the event’s sponsors: Beam Global Wine & Spirits, Safeway, the Washington Examiner, and The Georgetowner.
http://www.georgetowner.com/articles/2012/feb/21/new-column-highlight-non-profits-beltway-giving/
The DC Collaborative is committed to providing all DC public and charter public school students with equal access to the region’s rich artistic and cultural opportunities. Working with our members, they provide free arts and humanities events for 30,000 DC students at no cost to schools each year.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
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DC Collaborative Convenes Members and Friends to Raise Awareness and Support for Arts Education
March 27, 2012
(Washington, DC)- The DC Collaborative held an Arts Education Advocacy 101 workshop at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in partnership with the Americans for the Arts on March 27. Member organizations and their supporters made their case for investing in arts and humanities learning. At a time when many arts education programs are struggling to raise resources, too many policy makers and decision makers outside our field are not aware of the value of arts and humanities education.
"The positive impact of arts education on young people is significant yet there continues to be a lack of committed resources. We need to advocate, broaden support and raise awareness," said Dorothy McSweeny, Chair of the MidAtlantic Arts Foundation, who shared remarks on the history of arts education advocacy in the US and DC over the last few decades.
"Legislators and budget makers need to know the impact of art education, especially for children who come from low-income house-holds," said Maureen Dwyer, Executive Director of Sitar Arts Center, who shared images and stories about the transformative power of arts education she witnesses each day.
"Arts are fundamental to a child's learning," shared Charlotte Cameron Marshall, on the Board of Directors of the Washington Performing Arts Society, adding that there is a need for easy-to-use messages and information. She posed the question "How can advocacy for arts education be more accessible?" and outlined some Three-minute Advocate steps that a cultural organization's supporters, such as Women's Committee members, can readily take. Suggested action steps included using social media to spread the word, signing up for newsletters such as AFTA's Arts Action Fund bulletins, and signing petitions that call for support for arts education.
Kristen Engrebretsen of the Americans for the Arts facilitated the workshop "Building Blocks for Arts Education Advocacy: Learn, Practice, Act" wherein groups worked on their messages and shared them with the larger group. Gladstone Peyton, Director of Federal Policy at AFTA, outlined activities for Arts Advocacy Day on the Hill April 16 and 17.
The workshop was a wonderful way to celebrate Arts Education Month (also known as Youth Art Month, Music in Our Schools Month, and Theatre in Our Schools Month).
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
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DC Collaborative Holds Winters Members Meeting
February 16, 2012
(Washington, DC)- The DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative held the Winter Members Meeting at the National Building Museum on February 16 where panelists explored the exciting ways arts education contributes to building stronger communities. More than 50 members joined for the discussion that focused on how many of our larger members contribute to a more vibrant DC and how they balance both national and local programming.
Panelists included: Darrell Ayers, Vice President of Education at the Kennedy Center; Samuel Xavier Carnegie, Creative Director for Theater Programs at the National Museum of American History; Scott Kratz, Vice President of Education at the National Building Museum; and Samantha Wyer, Director of Education at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Members were welcomed by Chase Rynd, Executive Director of the National Building Museum.
The panel was followed by a brief Q&A session with attendees, moderated by Lorraine Spiegler, Artistic Director of In-Studio Education, City Dance. “Arts and humanities education plays a central role in making communities places where people want to live – it contributes to healthy and sustainable cities where students graduate actually prepared to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Spiegler. The Q & A session allowed panelists and members to explore issues such as the intersection between national and local museums; funding and resources; and arts education advocacy.
During the meeting, the DC Collaborative also presented a draft of our member mapping project. The purpose of this project is to show the collective reach of our members working with DC public schools. Stay tuned as this project will eventually live online as an interactive tool!
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
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DC Collaborative Hosts Day of Member Workshops for Russian Children’s Theater Directors
January 31, 2012
(Washington, DC)- The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative recently hosted a day-long series of workshops for eight youth theater directors from Russia.
The purpose of this event was to explore the relationship between Russian and American youth theatrical sensibilities and to exchange theater production, design, and implementation approaches. This event was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and FHI360, a global development organization.
The day featured the following DC Collaborative member workshops: Unlocking the Actor’s Body by Shakespeare Theatre Company; Use of Symbol in Developing Cultural Understanding via Children’s Theater by Discovery Theater; and Interactive Theater for Early Learners by Imagination Stage. The workshops consisted of group activities, scenes and demonstrations.
Michael Bobbitt, Artistic Director at Adventure Theatre, facilitated the question and answer session after each workshop as well as an extended sharing session that included David Snider of Young Playwrights Theatre.
“This event provided not only an opportunity for Russian directors to experience American culture, but also a look into the academic and practical applications of Youth Theater Programs in the United States,” said Michael Bobbitt, DC Collaborative board member.
The Russian directors also attend a performance of Two Gentlemen of Verona, presented by Shakespeare Theatre Company Tuesday night. The performance was also followed by a brief Q & A session.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
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The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Selected by Adventure Theatre to Receive Re-Grant from the Weissberg Foundation
January 26, 2012
(Washington, DC)- The DC Collaborative was selected by Adventure Theatre to receive a $2,500 re-grant from the Weissberg Foundation.
This grant will help the Collaborative ensure that the arts and humanities are part of a high-quality education for all DC public and chartered public school students. Due to this support, many students will experience the richness of the arts and humanities through performances and exhibits offered across the District.
“We are very appreciative of this gift. The Weissberg Foundation has long been supportive of DC theatre and this gift will help us bring more students to the theatre, contributing to building tomorrow’s audiences,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
“The Weissberg Foundation established a strategic giving initiative that allows Artistic Directors to identify the recipients they believe are making a positive difference in the region’s theatre community. Artistic Directors such as Michael Bobbitt know what is emerging or truly making a big difference in today and tomorrow’s theatre scene,” said Ilene Trachtenberg, Executive Director of the Weissberg Foundation.
“As a member of the Board of Directors of the DC Collaborative, I am familiar with the DC Collaborative’s breadth of programming and the much-needed role they play in introducing the power of theatre to so many students who might not otherwise experience it,” said Michael Bobbitt, Producing Artistic Director at Adventure Theatre.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student, sending 30,000 students each year to member events.
About The Weissberg Foundation
Established in 1989, the Weissberg Foundation contributes to local Washington, DC organizations that focus on theater, arts, social issues, education and health. Over the past 23 years, the Weissberg Foundation established a legacy of charitable giving, primarily in the Washington DC region.
About Adventure Theatre
Adventure Theatre is the longest-running children’s theater in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area. Founded in 1951, Adventure Theatre will celebrate 60 years of commissioning new works, cultivating many generations of theatre artists and audiences, and transitioning from a community-based arts organization to a nationally recognized children’s theatre.
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The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Receives Support from The Washington Examiner to Ensure More Students Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy
Donation Sends 500 DC public School Students to the Choral Arts Society presentation of Living the Dream … Singing the Dream
January 20, 2012
(Washington, DC)-The DC Collaborative is pleased to announce that The Washington Examiner, via a $4000 grant, will sponsor the upcoming Arts for Every Student program “Living the Dream…Singing the Dream” presented by the Choral Arts Society of Washington on January 26, 2012.
The performance will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorate his ideals of non-violence and racial equality, and launch Black History Month with a student-friendly version of this popular community event. Students will be encouraged to sing along with traditional spiritual and gospel selections of the Civil Rights Era performed by a host of dynamic area musicians.
“We appreciate this support a great deal. Each year the “Living the Dream” celebration is a very inspiring event for students and teachers and this support helps ensure more students enjoy the experience,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
The DC Collaborative plans to send more than 500 students to this performance.
“The Examiner is pleased to provide this support to our community. What better way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy than through “Singing the Dream” with some of the DC area’s greatest gospel singers,” said Gina Sacripanti, Senior Director of Business Development and Marketing at The Washington Examiner.
“This is a wonderful chance to ensure more DC public school students participate in a terrific musical experience. The Choral Arts Chorus will be performing with the Washington Performing Arts Men, Women and Children of the Gospel Choirs to raise joyful voices as part of the 24th annual choral tribute to Dr. King-- our hallmark event celebrating the legacy of the great Civil Rights leader,” said Caryn Fraim, Education and Community Programs Manager at the Choral Arts Society.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
About The Washington Examiner
The Washington Examiner is a leading source for national, world, local, entertainment and sports news and is available in print, online at washingtonexaminer.com, and via mobile at m.washingtonexaminer.com news. The Washington Examiner is a free daily newspaper published Sunday through Fridays and is distributed in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with a weekly print readership of 663,460 and with a cumulative weekly print and on-line readership of 1.5 million.
About Choral Arts Society
Now in its 47th Season, The Choral Arts Society of Washington is one of the major choral organizations in the United States. Under the leadership of its founder and artistic director Norman Scribner, Choral Arts presents its symphonic chorus of over 180 professional-caliber volunteer singers in an annual season subscription series at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and other DC-area venues.
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DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, DC Public Library, and the Humanities Council of Washington DC Query DC Youth on the Meaning of Democracy
November 29, 2011
(Washington, DC)-The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, in conjunction with the DC Public Library and the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, recently announced a city-wide student essay Contest around the theme "What does Democracy mean to me as a citizen of DC?"
"This is a great opportunity for students to express themselves, engage with what it means to be a citizen in our democracy, and call attention to our own quest for democracy in the District," Mayor Vincent C. Gray said. "I encourage all DC Public Schools and DC Public Charter Schools students to enter!"
Students from DC Public and Public Charter schools all over the city will participate in a challenging Essay Contest, judged by critically acclaimed authors. The essay topic will address the meaning of Democracy in DC, and will culminate in an awards ceremony in the Spring.
"This essay contest will involve youth in a current and relevant dialogue taking place in our city," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.
Students are encouraged to seek help from librarians and will be able to submit entries in-person at any DC Public Library -- or by email or mail to the DC Collaborative at info@dccollaborative.org or 1835 14th NW, Washington, DC 20009. The contest will be open through February 29, 2012.
Rules for entry are listed on the informational flier as well as the online registration form which can be found on our website at www.dccollaborative.org or on the DC Public Library http://www.dclibrary.org/ on the home page rotator.
Winning essays from each of the following grade groupings will receive a cash prize: 5th-6th; 7th- 9th; and 10th-12th
"This essay contest will have a far reach in the greater DC community through the library system," said Micki Freeny of DC Public Library. The DC Public Library will be collecting essays at each branch. Essays also will be collected via e-mail at info@dccollaborative.org. Students are encouraged to utilize the many resources each library branch offers.
"Our goal is to engage DC youth, along with teachers, school administrators, librarians, parents, and the greater DC community to celebrate student expression and raise awareness of the importance of basic democratic principles such as protecting self-determination in civic life," said Joy Ford Austin, Executive Director of the Humanities Council of Washington DC.
"Living in a city with such a unique governmental structure, DC's youth need to not only be informed, but also to be given the chance to form their own opinions, find their own voices, and express themselves. The Essay Contest is an opportunity for them to get involved, and to give students a chance to participate in an exciting city-wide project," added Kennelly.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
Nearly 70 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
About DC Public Library
The District of Columbia Public Library is a vibrant center of activity for residents and visitors in the nation's capital. The library provides environments that invite reading, learning and community discussion and equips people to learn all their lives, to embrace diversity and to build a thriving city. We are proud to be a recognized force in the community for engaging the mind, expanding opportunities and elevating the quality of life.The DC Public library has 25 neighborhood libraries as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
Humanities Council of Washington, DC
Founded in 1980, the Humanities Council of Washington, DC is a private affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). It is a non-profit organization that provides grant support for community programs that enrich the lives of DC citizens through the humanities disciplines. Additionally, the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, produces various programs with support from area non-profits, the NEH, and the DC government.
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Books-A-Million Designates DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative as One-Time Charity Recipient
October 28, 2011
(Washington, DC)- The DC Collaborative will receive partial proceeds of all sales in area Books-A-Million stores today as their community partner of the day.
“We appreciate the generosity of Books-a-Million a great deal. In a time when budget cuts mean fewer students have access to arts education, we need to get creative about raising new sources of support,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
Books-A-Million is committed to positively impacting the communities they reside in by providing support to local schools, churches, organizations and charities and especially to those organizations that promote literacy, reading skills and education.
The DC Collaborative was identified by Books-A-Million via the 2011-2012 Catalogue of Philanthropy and the Harman Family Foundation.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
About Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million is one of the nation’s leading book retailers and sells on the Internet at www.booksamillion.com. The Company presently operates more than 200 stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia. The Company operates large superstores under the names Books-A-Million and Books & Co. and traditional bookstores operating under the names Bookland and Books-A-Million. The common stock of Books-A-Million, Inc. is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol BAMM. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.booksamillioninc.com
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DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Calls for Arts Education to be a Central Strategy of School Improvement, Releases Evidence of Effectiveness at Fall Members Meeting
September 22, 2011
(Washington, DC)-Arts education and the integration of the arts across the curriculum—enhances student content mastery and academic skills development, including improved literacy, and contributes to more positive school climates, according to a series of research briefs released by the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative today.
“We believe the arts are central to a high-quality education and should be embraced as a critical strategy leading to overall school improvement. These publications underscore that belief with data produced by a highly respected third-party evaluator, providing solid evidence of effectiveness,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.
The series of briefs were released at the DC Collaborative’s annual Fall meeting where Robert Horowitz, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Arts Education Research Center at Columbia University’s Teacher College shared his evaluation findings of the DC Collaborative’s Arts Education Initiative. “Overall, I’d say this was a very successful initiative,” he observed. “Teachers reported that nearly 80% of students learned reading and writing skills because of the DC Collaborative program,” he added.
Between the first full year of implementation of the AEI program through 2009, the seven schools consistently participating show an average rate of increase in reading scores of 4.15 % and in math at nearly 20%.*
In addition to a research brief, the DC Collaborative released two issue briefs:
•Arts Integration Advances Literacy; and
•Arts Integration Creates Positive School Climates; as well as a case study
•Reflections of a School Taking Flight Through Arts Integration: Peabody Early Learning Center
Presenters at the meeting included Edith Harvey, Director of Improvement Programs, Office of Innovation and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education who is responsible for the arts education grant program and Marni Leikin, new DC Public Schools Visual Arts & Curriculum Coordinator who shared her plans regarding the development of a comprehensive visual arts plan and curriculum for the district.
The panelists participated in a discussion with members moderated by Savoy Elementary School Principal Patrick Pope. Questions such as “How do we measure imagination and how to we relay the value of imagination as a critical higher order thinking skill?” were explored.
New board members Anthony Gittens, founder and director of the DC International Film Festival, and Nathan Hoffman, Vice President at Capital One were voted onto the board unanimously by members at the meeting. The FY12 Executive Committee slate was also passed by the Membership and include: Jeff Travers, president; Jade Floyd, Vice President; Gina Sacripanti, vice president; Gail Murdock, Secretary; and Nathan Hoffman, Treasurer.
*This rate of increase was identified from existing extant data (standardized test scores) and further research would need to be conducted to show if there is a scientifically based cause and effect between these increased scores and the AEI program.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Adds Two New Members To The Board Of Directors
Filmfest DC Executive Director and Capital One Vice-President, Business Banking join DC Collaborative Board
September 15, 2011
(Washington, DC) The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Board of Directors: Tony Gittens, Founder and Director, Filmfest DC and Nathan Hoffman, Vice President, Business Banking, Capital One. The new board members serve three-year terms.
“We are very lucky to be benefiting from the expertise that Tony and Nathan bring to the DC Collaborative,” said Jeff Travers, president of the DC Collaborative Board of Directors.
“They represent a mix of experience and fresh perspective and the commitment they bring ushers in a new era of growth that will help us extend our service to our Members and the students of DC,” added Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.
Anthony Gittens is Founder and Director of the Washington, DC International Film Festival. Now in its 26th year, Filmfest DC brings the best of new world cinema to the District of Columbia in the spirit of celebration and cooperation.
Mr. Gittens served as Executive Director of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the official cultural agency of the District of Columbia, from September 1996 to July 2008. The Commission's programs support and promote stability, vitality and diversity of artistic expression in the Nation's Capital. Under his leadership the Arts Commission implemented innovative public art and artist grant programs throughout the city. Mr. Gittens was a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet and represented the city's cultural interests at numerous gatherings and cultural settings. He administered one of the DC Collaborative’s very first grants.
In recognition of his contributions, Anthony Gittens has been presented with numerous awards, including Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters, French Ministry of Culture and Communications; the Mayor's Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts; Professor Emeritus of the University of the District of Columbia; Member of the Washington, DC Hall of Fame, and Public Humanist of the Year by the Humanities Council of Washington. He was featured in “Eyes on the Prize II” for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
Nathan Hoffman joined Capital One Bank in 2011 after spending the majority of his financial services career at Wachovia-Wells Fargo. His areas of expertise include government contracting, nonprofit, commercial real estate and certified public accountants.
Mr. Hoffman is a liaison to the Board of Directors at YouthQuest Foundation. The mission of the YouthQuest Foundation is to provide scholarships, infrastructure support and life-enriching activities to America’s at-risk youth. Their vision is to help create an America where every at-risk youth can lead a healthy and productive life. They wish to provide Job Skills Training Center where at-risk youth can receive vocational training while continuing their GED studies, attend advanced classes in math, science and technology to excel in today’s advancing vocational environment and learn the critical life skills necessary for long-term success.
Mr. Hoffman is an entrepreneur at heart and has a passion for seeing companies grow while being an active partner through all phases and challenges companies face. Mr. Hoffman lives in Leesburg, VA. with his wife and three children. His hobbies include golf and boxing. He is graduate of Coastal Carolina University where he played Division I level baseball.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Hosts Teacher Orientation at Source Theatre for Nearly 70 DCPS and Charter School Teachers
Principal Patrick Pope Declares DC Collaborative’s Key Communicators Among The Teacher Leaders Advancing the Power of Arts Education in DC Schools
September 8, 2011
(Washington, DC)-The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative recently held a make-up Teacher Orientation event for nearly 70 teachers at Source Theatre, where the Collaborative is a resident organization.
Poet Patrick Washington, regular performer on HBO’s DefJam poetry program, opened the meeting with an inspiring spoken word performance, touching on the themes of resilience in the face of adversity. Mr. Washington, who provides in-school residencies through DC Collaborative member American Poetry Museum, described the art of poetry as taking a journey toward empowerment. ‘Poems give our students their voice,” he said.
The purpose of the event was to guide teachers in the process of participating in the DC Collaborative’s Arts for Every Student (AFES) program which provides free transportation and tickets to arts and humanities events for DC public and charter public schools. The DC Collaborative works with volunteer key communicators teaching in participating schools. The forum provided a session for experienced key communicators to preview upcoming trips and taught new key communicators how to register their schools for these trips offered by DC Collaborative member organizations.
Highlights of the event included a motivating talk by Principal Patrick Pope who encouraged teachers to make the most of arts in their schools to strengthen and invigorate their school communities, “You are the teacher leaders helping to advance the power of arts education in DC schools,” he said.
DC Collaborative members, including the Kreeger Museum, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the American Poetry Museum presented their programs for the 2011-2012 school year.
“The DC Collaborative members are offering an incredibly varied set of quality cultural events again this year. Our 2011-12 catalogue is a snapshot of the rich set of arts and humanities opportunities available to teachers and students in DC,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
DC Collaborative team members also reviewed the Arts for For Every Student program structure, as well as the registration process for student trips and for teacher professional development workshops.
Some key points from the orientation:
•The opening date for online student trip registration is Monday, September 12, 2011, which kicks off the same week as National Arts in Education Week
•A school’s Key Communicator for AFES trips may access the AFES Online Registration site at www.dccollaborative.org.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions, 202-204-7750, info@dccollaborative.org.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Hosts Series of Teaching Artist Gatherings
August 29, 2011
The summer went by as quickly as ever but nevertherless we were able to make the most of this time to reflect, experiment and try new initiatives. For example, the DC Collaborative held a series of teaching artist convenings over the summer designed to advance a community of practice among teaching artists.
The first of these meetings was held at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) and included a tour of the CHAW studios and gallery conducted by Amy Moore, Director of Education and Programs, where students benefit from the talented instruction of more than 60 teaching artists.
A July teaching artist meeting featured a presentation from Marcie Wolf-Hubbard, a mixed-media artist who shared highlights of her workshops with students of all ages at community centers, schools, senior centers and in her private studio. She shared slides of some of her favorite projects that included collage-making, Plein Air painting and Haiku and shared awareness-raising strategies to help students become attuned to careers in the arts.
Elizabeth Wallace from Giraffe 'n Ant Productions also presented at the July meeting, sharing information on 'Come Out and Play' festivals around the nation.
"These teaching artist get-togethers provide a forum to discuss best practices, network, and strengthen a community of teaching artists in the DC area," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
A recent meeting in August included highlights from the partnership between Peabody School and story-teller Arianna Ross of Story Tapestries, involving the Phillips Collection Teach with O'Keefe initiative.
The next teaching artist convening is scheduled for Sept. 27 at Source Theatre, 1835 14th Street, NW, DC, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join SCRAP DC, a new recycled materials resource for DC teaching artists and others.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Hosts Annual Jewelry Trunk Show at Project 4 Gallery
July 20, 2011
(Washington, DC) -- The DC Collaborative recently hosted its annual ART BUZZ jewelry trunk show featuring the works of eight talented D.C. jewelry designers at Project 4 Gallery.
Sponsored by CityShop Girl and DC This Week, the tenth ART BUZZ Remix raised funds for the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative’s Arts for Every Student Program.
Jewelry designers included; Heidi Hess of Poppy Metals, Isabelle Glass, Mishi Jewelry, Kelly Creative Designs, Island Designs by Rachel Walker, Klewism, Artsy Fartsy Jewelry and Jewelry by Gail Murdock.
“It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds for more arts and humanities education here in DC while also promoting the wonderful talent of these designers,” Louise Kennelly, DC Collaborative Executive Director, said. “Board member Jade Floyd initiated the Art Buzz series of events and students have been benefiting ever since,” she added.
To see photos of the event see coverage in Ready Set DC or visit our page on Facebook.
Each designer donated one item of jewelry that the DC Collaborative will be raffling off in August. Please purchase tickets here or contact our office for details (202-204-7750).
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Paints with Martha’s Table Community Center Students
June 14, 2011
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) recently conducted a painting workshop with students at the Martha’s Table community center enrolled in the Summer Bridge program.
The students created paintings based on observation of flowers and learned about painterly techniques such as blending, washes, and dry-brush and explored the use of complementary color in their images.
“Every summer we conduct outreach workshops with area community centers that hold summer youth programs. We are able to build our library of student art images, advance the student voice, and provide arts experiences at the same time,” noted Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
“Our collective of members all work to allow innovation and imagination to thrive, educating and empowering creative minds across all disciplines. The paintings created at this workshop are remarkable examples of the power of art to communicate and why the arts need to be an integral part of the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive life of each student.
Pictures from the workshop can be seen on the DC Collaborative’s Facebook.
For information regarding the painting workshop contact info@dccollaborative.org or call 202-204-7750
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Chosen for 2011-12 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington
June 7, 2011
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative has been selected to be featured in the 2011-12 Catalogue for Philanthropy. A panel of 110 expert reviewers from area foundations, corporate giving programs, and peer non-profit organizations evaluated 270 applications; the Collaborative is one of 70 outstanding nonprofits to be featured this year.
The DC Collaborative offers a variety of arts and humanities initiatives for students including the Arts for Every Student (AFES) program, involving field trips to member arts and humanities events; member professional development workshops that align with standards; and the Arts Education Initiative (AEI), where DC teachers, principals, teaching artists and partners have worked together with the DC Collaborative to test-drive model programs and approaches for arts-integrated curriculum in ten DC public and chartered public schools.
“We are pleased to be selected for inclusion in the Catalogue again this year. The Catalogue is a one-stop shop for those interested in supporting a mission-driven organization working to strengthen area communities,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.
The Catalogue enables non-profits such as the Collaborative to tell their stories and to encourage new supporters to get engaged and to give. It also provides charities with a stamp of approval that tells donors they can invest with confidence because the Catalogue vets its family of nonprofits with great care.
"Charities were selected for excellence, cost-effectiveness, and impact," said Barbara Harman, Executive Director of the Harman Family Foundation. “These are certainly among the best community-based nonprofits in the Washington region.”
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Holds Arts for Every Student Teacher Orientation for 100 DC Teachers
June 1, 2011
(Washington, DC)-The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative recently held their annual Teacher Orientation event at The Kennedy Center for nearly 100 DC teachers and administrators.
The purpose of the event was to guide teachers in the process of participating in the DC Collaborative’s Arts for Every Student (AFES) program designed to provide free transportation and tickets to arts and humanities events for DC public and charter public schools. Teachers learned how to register their schools for these trips offered by DC Collaborative member organizations.
DC Collaborative members, including the Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Textile Museum, Class Acts Arts, and the National Gallery of Art, presented their programs for the 2011-2012 school year. Highlights of the event included a performance by storyteller Diane Macklin.
“Teachers shine their light in the classroom each and every day, showing students the way to go,” said Macklin while drawing parallels between the story she performed and the work of educators.
DC Collaborative members provided resource tables and shared information about their opportunities for AFES trips this coming school year. The event, traditionally held in the Fall was moved to the Spring to provide teachers more time to plan their trips for next year.
“We look forward to providing another school year of memorable trips for DC students, ensuring access to the remarkable variety of arts and humanities programs and events our members have to offer,” remarked Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
DC Collaborative team members also reviewed the Arts for For Every Student program structure, as well as the registration process for student trips and for teacher professional development workshops.
Some key points from the orientation:
•The opening date for online student trip registration is Monday, September 12, 2011, which kicks off the same week as National Arts in Education Week
•A school’s Key Communicator for AFES trips may access the AFES Online Registration site at www.dccollaborative.org.
A second AFES School Orientation will be offered on September 8, 2011, for any individuals who could not attend the first session.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions, 202-204-7750, info@dccollaborative.org.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Explores Approaches to Integrating Arts Education into STEM Learning at Spring Members Meeting
Expert Panel Highlights Need to Make Arts Education More Central to Education Reform
May 20, 2011
(Washington, D.C. , May 19, 2011) -- The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative featured a panel discussion on integrating arts and humanities into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning recently. Panelists included MacArthur Fellow Robert Root-Bernstein, Ph.D.; Candace Katz, PH.D., Deputy Director of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities; and Ryan Hill, Director of Digital Learning Programs, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
“Arts-based learning can effectively contribute to science education, STEM skill development, and an innovative and competitive American workforce,” remarked Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative. “Today’s meeting is about exploring the ways that’s happening in practice and the research that supports these links.”
Ryan Hill of the Hirshhorn Museum provided highlights regarding the Hirshhorn Museum’s ArtLab which is dedicated to art, technology and education. “Both art and science contain a sense of discovery,” noted Hill, who outlined how the museum encourages participating teenagers not only to consume content but to actively engage with it via technology, producing new knowledge together in the process of working, learning and playing.
Robert Root-Bernstein, co-author of the Sparks of Genius: The 13 Thinking Tools of the World’s Most Creative People and professor of physiology at Michigan State University underscored the importance of interdisciplinary learning for mastery of any subject, highlighting the ways the arts and sciences, in particular, can accelerate discoveries when pursued together. “Participation in arts and crafts correlates to scientific success,” according to his research findings which were included in his presentation “ArtSmart: The Case for Arts at the Center of STEM Education.”
Candace Katz outlined the recently released research report “Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools” produced by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. “We must reinvest in creativity and innovation for students; these are recommendations for our future prosperity,” she noted.
The meeting, hosted by the Smithsonian Museum of American History, began with a welcome by museum director Brent Glass, Ph.D. The question and answer portion of the meeting was facilitated by Roberta Gasbarre, director of the Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Honors The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation at First Annual Benefit
The DC Collaborative Celebrated More than A Decade of Providing Arts and Humanities Access for DC Public and Chartered Public School Students.
Hosted by the Charge d’Affaires,Francois Rivasseau, Embassy of France
April 12, 2011
(Washington, DC)-The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative held its first annual celebration and benefit at the Embassy of France, on Friday, April 8 and awarded the first annual Spirited Leadership Award to The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. The event was hosted by the Embassy of France's Charge d’Affaires, Francois Rivasseau and featured live performances by the DC Youth Orchestra. NBC4's Wendy Rieger emceed the event and Bob Levey, longtime Washington Post columnist, served as the evening's guest auctioneer.
As one of the area’s leading foundations for arts grants, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation has an unparalleled record of leadership and support in making arts and humanities opportunities available to DC students and residents. “There is no more fitting honoree for this first annual award than The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation which has provided so much support and leadership over the years in the area of arts and humanities education,” said DC Collaborative President Jeff Travers who presented the award to Calvin Cafritz who accepted it on behalf of the Foundation.
The event celebrated the important work of the DC Collaborative’s 60 members who provide arts and humanities education and experiences to DC public and Public charter school children. Among its many programs, the DC Collaborative provides more than 30,000 student trips to member events.
The event raised funds through silent and live auction items, a matching Fund-a-Need gift fund, 225 attendees, and a number of generous corporate sponsors.
“Arts and humanities education is critical to lifelong learning and to the healthy development of the whole child and it is central to the project of improving education today. There is no better city than DC to provide quality arts and humanities education, thanks to our significant cultural institutions and cultural resources,” said Louise Kennelly, DC Collaborative’s Executive Director.
Event Co-Chairs: Jade Floyd and Gina Sacripanti
Event Honorary Committee: Anne Ashmore-Hudson, Rhona Wolfe Friedman, Philippa Hughes, Kay Kendall, Ora Nwabueze, Judith Terra, George Vradenburg
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Winter Member Meeting Features Discussion of 21st Century Skills
February 17, 2011
(Washington, DC)-Members convened at the National Geographic Museum February 17th for the Winter Members meeting which featured a panel discussion on the important role of arts and humanities education in preparing students to succeed in the 21st Century economy.
Panel participants included Johnnetta Cole, Ph.D, Director of the National Museum of African Art as well as Barbara Lang, President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce.
"Arts and humanities are among the most powerful and effective tools for educating all of us for productive and joyful lives," remarked Dr. Cole.
Members also participated in an interactive presentation provided by Jeff Meade and Kim Skerritt of the National Postal Museum regarding ways 21st Century technology can be used to enable interactive learning.
During the question and answer portion of the program --moderated by Adventure Theatre's Artistic Director and DC Collaborative board member Michael Bobbitt-- members discussed the potential for increased partnership with DC's business community.
"There is a growing creative economy in DC and we need to work together on efforts to prepare DC youth to compete for the kinds of jobs that will be available here," noted Barbara Lang.
Members also heard from, Susan Norton, Director of the National Geographic Museum, who welcomed meeting participants; Deborah Stokes of the National Museum of African Art who provided highlights regarding the museum's work in teaching students about diverse world cultures; and Gwen Faulkner, DC Geographic Alliance, regarding professional development opportunities for teachers.
The meeting was held at National Geographic Museum in celebration of Black History Month since the America I AM, the African American Imprint exhibit is on display there and the DC Collaborative is arranging for 10,000 students to visit the exhibit.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Receives Generous Support from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation for Sustainability Planning
February 8, 2011
(Washington, DC)-The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative announced the receipt of a $20,000 grant from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation’s Management Assistance Program (MAP) in order to support strategic planning with an emphasis on sustainability.
Specifically the DC Collaborative will be partnering with a financial consulting firm in order to create a revised business model in order to strengthen sustainability. It will also create a fundraising plan that will not only advance a new business model but will help identify short- and long-term fundraising goals as well.
"We are very appreciative of this continued support from the Meyer Foundation which will allow us to plan and focus on ensuring the Collaborative’s sustainability for years to come. We are extremely grateful that the Meyer Foundation recognizes the importance of the arts and humanities as part of a high-quality education for DC public and charter school students," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
This grant will allow the DC Collaborative to build its strategic planning process on a sound growth model and help inform realistic and achievable long-term goals in order to better serve the students in the DC public and chartered public school system and the communities that surround them.
About the Meyer Foundation’s Management Assistance Program:
The Meyer Foundation’s Management Assistance Program (MAP) under its Non-Profit Sector Fund promotes the organizational effectiveness and leadership development of non-profit organizations across the United States..
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than 60 members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative to Bring Thousands of Students to the ‘America I AM: The African American Imprint’ Exhibition
February 1, 2011
(Washington, DC)-The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, in partnership with Walmart, is working to provide up to 10,000 DC students with the opportunity to visit the America I AM: The African American Imprint exhibition.
The exhibition celebrates nearly 500 years of black history with an impressive presentation of more than 200 artifacts displaying African-American contributions to this country. This is the fifth stop of the award-winning exhibition’s four-year tour. The exhibition makes its Washington, DC, debut to the public on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011, at the National Geographic Museum and is on display until May 1st, 2011.
The America: I AM exhibition was developed in partnership with Tavis Smiley and organized by the Cincinnati Museum Center and Arts and Exhibitions International. The exhibition arrives in DC in the beginning days of Black History Month and offers attendees a chance to examine the undeniable impact of African-Americans on United States culture. Their stories - some familiar, many surprising - are inseparable from the story of America itself. Walmart, title sponsor of the exhibition, has provided complimentary youth tickets and transportation that will be distributed through the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.
“At the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative, we believe that arts and humanities are central to the education of every student and contribute to their overall growth,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director. “From exploring the contributions of African-Americans to celebrating the culture as a whole, we are confident students will be inspired by their America I AM experience.”
Teachers who wish to partake in this wonderful opportunity to bring their students to the America I AM exhibit are eligible to receive complimentary transportation and student tickets. DC public school and public charter school teachers can contact the DC Collaborative at (202) 204-7750 in order to request a date. Student lesson plans and activity sheets are available on the America I AM official exhibition website at http://www.americaiam.org/Pages/Educators.aspx.
The National Geographic Museum is located at 1145 17th Street, NW, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other area student organizations can contact the National Geographic Museum at (202) 857-7700 to access student tickets for groups of 25 or more.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative
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DC Collaborative Hosts Arts Education Convening at the Harman Center for the Arts
February 1, 2011
(Washington, DC) On January 26, 2010 the DC Collaborative hosted an arts education convening at the Harman Center for the Arts. More than 70 attendees from 50 organizations attended the convening regarding Identifying Promising Approaches for Providing Arts Education Via Community Partnerships.
Participants heard the following presentations from two Rand researchers:
-Successful Approaches to Arts Education Partnerships from Other Major Cities; and
-How Can Arts Education Providers Use Data to Positively Support Programming?
Attendees also took part in break-out sessions regarding challenges and opportunities we collectively face in delivering arts and humanities education to all of DC students. Break-out sessions also focused on identifying the information needed to provide increased access to students within a coherent framework.
The convening advanced the conversation recently begun at the Sitar Arts Center regarding the promotion of partnerships in arts education to better serve the children, youth and families of Washington, DC --both in and out of school and across disciplines.
"It's an exciting time for arts education in DC," remarked one participant.
The DC Collaborative is working to synthesize the day's rich and varied input in order to work with its members and other arts and humanities education providers on next steps in delivering on the promise of arts education as coherently, cooperatively, and creatively as possible.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative
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Arts Education Convening hosted by DC Collaborative
Identifying Promising Approaches for Providing Arts Education Via Community Partnerships
January 5, 2011
(Washington, DC)The DC Collaborative invites our members and other community arts educators to participate in an arts education convening on Wednesday, January 26th from 1-5 p.m. at Sidney Harman Hall. Together we will take steps to Identify Promising Approaches for Providing Arts Education Via Community Partnerships.
Building on the take-aways and the needs identified at Arts Education for a Better DC, the November arts education conference sponsored by the Sitar Arts Center, we will explore how arts education providers can work together to serve Washington, DC, children, youth and families more comprehensively. The small group discussions will focus on:
• Identifying current opportunities for --and barriers to --this goal; and
• Mapping existing arts education programs across the city to identify gaps.
Please join us in this important convening, and help us in the effort to create and promote a comprehensive and world-class arts education for all DC children and youth.
To register please click here.
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Agenda
Welcome and Introduction 1:00 to 1:10
Louise Kennelly, DC Collaborative, Executive Director
Plenary 1:10 to 1:45 p.m.
Successful Approaches to Arts Education Partnerships from Other Major Cities
Speaker: Catherine Augustine of RAND Corporation, co-author, Revitalizing Arts Education Through Community-wide Coordination, The Wallace Foundation
Update on Comprehensive Music Plan 1:45 to 1:55
Carol Bogash, Washington Performing Arts Society, Director of Education
Ben Hall, Director of Music, DC Public Schools
Transition to Small Group: 1:55-2:00
Small Break-out Sessions 2:00 to 2:45
SWOT Analysis: Providing Arts Education programs
What are the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats we encounter in providing arts education to all students? Laying the foundation for advancing a comprehensive, high-quality arts education plan begins with a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face doing this work in Washington, DC, 2011. Participants will work together to establish a shared understanding of the contextual factors that facilitate or hinder our progress.
Transition to Large Group 2:45-2:50>/b>
Larger group report out: 2:50 to 3:10
Plenary 3:10 to 3:35 p.m.
How can Arts Education Providers Use Data to Positively Support Programming?
Speaker: Jennifer Sloan McCombs, author, Hours of Opportunity: How Cities Can Use Data to Increase Access and Participation in High-Quality Programming
Transition to Small Groups 3:40-3:45
Small Break-out Sessions: 3:45 to 4:30
Collecting Data for the DC Arts Education Community
In order to ensure a comprehensive strategic plan will be grounded in reality, we must inventory the current education partnerships in DC schools. Effective data collection is a critical step and provides a valuable baseline for measuring progress in future years. These break-out groups will identify useful data categories and will consider strategies for data collection.
Transition to Large Group 4:30-4:40
Report Out and Next Steps: 4:40 to 5:10 p.m.
Speakers
Catherine Augustine is a behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation and acting associate director of RAND Education. Her research focuses on human capital management. She recently directed an evaluation for The Wallace Foundation on their theory that cohesive leadership systems lead to improved school leadership. She is currently helping the U.S. Army on two projects. One focuses on contracting and the other on retaining company-grade officers in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. She has also studied human resource development for the U.S. Department of Defense, school district governance, leadership in arts education, and the particular challenges facing middle schools. From 2001 to 2004, Augustine co-led the creation and establishment of a new K–12 school system for the State of Qatar. She led efforts to build and further develop leadership and other personnel resources. Augustine has expertise in both evaluations and in direct implementation of reforms. Sponsors of Augustine's research have included The Wallace Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, the Grable Foundation, the Kimberly Clark foundation, the Los Angeles City Council, the Los Angeles School Board, the Department of Defense, and the State of Qatar. Augustine received her Ph.D. in education from the University of Michigan.
Jennifer Sloan McCombs is a policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Her education research on improving outcomes for at-risk students has focused on policies pertaining to out-of-school-time systems, adolescent literacy, teacher education and professional development, high-poverty schools, instructional practices, and accountability measures. She is co-leading a project examining cities' efforts toward systemic approaches to out-of-school-time provision, and serves as deputy project director on a four-year project evaluating the implementation and impact of New York City's fifth-grade promotion policy. McCombs received her Ph.D. in public policy from The George Washington University.
Contacts
Schedule and break-out sessions
Louise Kennelly, Louise@dccollaborative.org , 202-204-7751
Registration
Cynthia Gertsen, Cynthia@dccollaborative.org, 202-204-7752
Convening Planning Group:
John Abodeely, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Program Manager, National Partnerships
Carol Bogash, Washington Performing Arts Society, Director of Education
Maureen Dwyer, Sitar Arts Center, Deputy Director
Angela Han, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Director of Research
Sarah Jencks, Ford’s Theatre Society, Director of Education Programming
Charlotte Cameron Marshall, Washington Performing Arts Society, President of the Women’s Committee
Jeanette S. McCune, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Assistant Director, School and Teacher Programs
Directions:
Sidney Harman Hall
610 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
by Metro
Gallery Pl-Chinatown Gallery Pl-Chinatown station on the Red/Green/Yellow lines: Use the Arena/7th St. exit. Harman Hall is visible one block to your left.
Judiciary Square station on the Red line: use the F St. exit to the National Building Museum, turn left and walk 1 ½ blocks along F St. to 6th St.
For information on Metro-operated parking lots, service updates, fares and bus routes, visit the Trip Planner at MetroOpensDoors.com or call 202.637.7000 (TTY: 202.638.3780).
by Taxis
For information on the best places for hailing a taxi after the performance, please speak with a House Manager prior to the performance.
By Car
From Baltimore, Laurel, Columbia
(Points Northeast)
From MD-295 (Balt-Wash Highway) or I-95: Merge onto US-50/New York Ave., NE toward Washington. Keep right at the fork to go onto New York Ave. After 5 miles, turn left onto 6th St., NW./US-1/US-50. Turn right onto E St. The LAZ garage entrance will be on your right, on E St. between 7th and 6th Streets.
From Virginia
(Points South)
Via I-395
Remain on I-395 into the District of Columbia, crossing into the city on the 14th St. Bridge. At Pennsylvania Ave., NW (at approximately the 4th stoplight) turn right. You will then be driving East toward the U.S. Capitol. Turn left at the stoplight at 7th St., NW. Go North on 7th St.
Via I-66
Remain on I-66 into the District of Columbia, crossing into the city on the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, which becomes Constitution Avenue. Remain on Constitution Ave. until you reach 7th St., NW. Turn left at the stoplight at 7th St. Turn right on F St. The Garage entrance will be on your right.
From Annapolis, Prince George’s County
Merge onto US-50 W/New York Ave. NE toward Washington. After about 5 miles, turn left onto 6th St., NW./US-1/US-50. Turn right onto E St. The LAZ garage entrance will be on your right, on E St. between 7th and 6th Streets.
From Potomac, Bethesda, Rockville
(Points West)
Get onto Wisconsin Ave., NW via I-270 and River Rd. or Rockville Pike (MD-355), which becomes Wisconsin Ave. Remain on Wisconsin Ave. Turn left onto Garfield St. one block after the National Cathedral. Turn right onto Massachusetts Ave., NW. Remain on Mass Ave. until you reach 9th St., NW (you will pass through two circles and one tunnel). Turn right onto 9th St. (one way). Stay in the left lane on 9th. Turn left on F St. and drive two blocks, crossing 7th St. The LAZ garage entrance will be on your right.
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DC Collaborative Provides Testimony at DCPS FY12 Budget Hearing
November 30, 2010
Testimony DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
DCPS FY12 Budget Hearing
Good Evening,
My name is Louise Kennelly and I am the Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative. We are a collective voice of 60 arts and cultural organizations from across the DC metropolitan area. Our mission is to provide DCPS students access to high-quality arts and humanities education for the growth of the whole student.
I’d like to thank DCPS leaders for the opportunity to provide a statement at this hearing tonight.
Arts education plays a central and vital role in our students’ education not only as a source of enrichment but as a strategy to engage and retain students and to advance academic learning in other core disciplines. Students with high levels of arts involvement are less likely to drop out by grade 10 and arts students outperform non-arts students on the SAT. These are just some of the research findings that make a strong case for an increased investment in arts education.
And a robust and comprehensive arts education is essential to the future prosperity and vibrancy of DC.
We strongly believe that a quality arts education curriculum, combined with the other core subject areas, will best prepare our children for the future. As we continue to take steps to revitalize DC’s economy, it is crucial that we are able to offer the best education that will equip students with the creative skills that will help fuel innovation in today’s competitive and evolving workforce. The creative economy is a growth industry for DC and as we prepare tomorrow’s college graduates, workforce members, and leaders for the careers that will await them, it will be imperative that we provide high-quality arts education.
Washington, DC, is uniquely suited to deliver on the promise of arts education. Because of the many high-quality arts and humanities institutions in the city we can supplement the arts education provided within schools. But our schools must provide the investment in the arts education framework that will allow us to make the most of all available resources on behalf of our students. Supporting equitable access to high-quality, consistent, sequential standards-based arts education for all students is key. Ensuring every student from pre-K through 12 has arts education as part of the core curriculum in their education is critical.
Schools that promote an authentic presence in the arts disciplines within accountability systems; implement survey data on arts education in all schools; support in-service training for integrating arts across the curriculum; ensure adequate funding for professional development for arts educators to ensure they are prepared to meet federal and state-level standards consistently and appropriately; ensure that all students have access to highly qualified arts teachers; invest in scheduling for arts access as well as materials and maintenance; identify benchmarks and guidance for meeting standards; and conduct evaluation -- will go a long way in meeting academic goals across the board, and ready students for college, careers and lifelong success.
Exploring collaborative arts education delivery models like the one provided by the DC Collaborative’s Arts for Every Student program will further the reach of any investments made in arts education. At the DC Collaborative our tagline is Arts Access Leads to Student Success and the research shows this is especially true of at-risk students. The DC Collaborative provides 20,000 field trips a year to member arts and humanities institutions. Principals, teachers and students respond very enthusiastically to this program but we are challenged to keep up with the increasing demand. I was recently on one of our AFES trips with the Bach Consort production of Bach in Time where students learned the elements of music and it was incredibly inspiring to see the joy and delight among the students who energized and inspired the production as much as the production inspired them.
DCPS has made great strides towards ensuring all students have arts education and we encourage you to devise an even more coherent and well-supported system for arts education. DCPS is committed to becoming a world-class education system and the arts are an essential part of realizing that vision. DC’s arts and humanities institutions are among the greatest in the world and it is important that we give these institutions, with their strong education departments, an even more central role in helping DCPS realize its dream.
We look toward DCPS, our longtime partner, to identify ways that together we can respond to the increasing demand for arts and humanities education, including an increase in fieldtrip budgets, in-school arts residency allocations, and support for appropriate professional development and collaborative planning time.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to provide this testimonial.
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DC Collaborative Receives Generous Support from the Philip L. Graham Fund for Information Technology Upgrade
November 18, 2010
(Washington, DC)-The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative announced the receipt of a $25,000 grant from the Philip L. Graham Fund to support information technology upgrades.
This grant will allow the DC Collaborative to significantly enhance capacity around communications, outreach and program processes by making critically needed upgrades, enhancing our Web site design and improving our Extranet capabilities that will allow more schools to register for more arts and humanities field trips.
Specifically, this grant will help the DC Collaborative recruit and provide programming to more underserved students in DC through the Arts For Every Students program.
“This support will go a long way in advancing the DC Collaborative’s mission as the external site is a critical vehicle for dissemination of information and opportunities and in getting the word out about the depth and quality of our programs,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
About the Philip L. Graham Fund:
The Philip L. Graham Fund's mission has been to use its resources for the betterment of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and to support activities that foster improvements in the fields of journalism and communications. Reflective of its determination to respond to a wide range of community needs, the Fund's grants lists are broad and varied. Grants are awarded across five interest areas, including Arts & Humanities, Community Endeavors, Education, Health & Human Services, and Journalism & Communications. Grantees include both large, regional organizations as well as small, community-based groups.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative
DC Collaborative Receives Generous Support from The Morningstar Foundation
November 5, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) announced the receipt of a $5000 grant from The Morningstar Foundation. The grant will be used to support general operations of the DC Collaborative, dedicated to providing equitable access to arts in education.
"It is thanks to the continued support of generous funders such as The Morningstar Foundation that we are able to enrich the school-days of thousands of public school students with unique arts and humanities experiences," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative. “This new grant will be a great boon for the DC Collaborative as we continue to expand our programs and services in response to growing demand. We look forward to giving many more children the chance to experience the magic and the wonder of the arts—and, of course, the immense educational benefits these experiences provide. ”
The DC Collaborative offers a variety of arts and humanities initiatives for students including the Arts for Every Student (AFES) program, involving field trips to area arts and humanities events. Through AFES, the DC Collaborative offers opportunities for all DC public and chartered public school students to take full advantage of the vast arts and cultural resources available throughout the DC Metropolitan area.
The DC Collaborative also provides DC public and chartered public school professional development workshops that align with school curriculum. Teachers learn innovative ways to invigorate their lesson plans using artistic and creative techniques and strategies developed by DC Collaborative members.
The DC Collaborative also conducts the Arts Education Initiative (AEI). Through AEI, DC teachers, principals, teaching artists and partners have worked together with the DC Collaborative to test-drive model programs and approaches for arts-integrated curriculum in nine DC public and chartered public schools.
About The Morningstar Foundation:
The Morningstar Foundation has played a tremendous role in enhancing the quality of arts education and invigorating the community of the DC metropolitan area. The Morningstar Foundation has been a supporter of the DC Collaborative for many years, providing generous annual contributions towards increasing access to arts education and high-quality arts experiences for numerous children
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative
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DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Announces New Board Members
Ninth Archivist of the U.S. as well as Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer Among Those Who Join DC Collaborative Board
October 19, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to the Board of Directors: David Ferrero, senior program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Gina Sacripanti, senior director at the Washington Examiner; Michael Sikes, senior associate at the Arts Education Partnership; and Allen Weinstein, Ninth Archivist of the United States. The new board members serve three-year terms.
"We are privileged to have the guidance of these accomplished individuals," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative. "We are fortunate to have a wonderful tradition of a strong and supportive Board of Directors."
David J. Ferrero is a senior program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, leading the foundation's work in STEM education. He has worked as a journalist and high school teacher; an education policy researcher for Achieve, Inc.; an instructional coach for an after school enrichment program for inner city youth and as a consultant to the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education on teacher quality and alternative certification. He received a BA in Intellectual History from the University of Redlands, Master's degrees in American Cultural Studies from the University of Michigan and in English from Northwestern University as well as a doctorate in education and public policy from Harvard University.
Gina Sacripanti is the senior director of business development and marketing for The Washington Examiner. Prior to this position, Gina was interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Federal Credit Union and has worked in not-for-profit financial services industry for fifteen years. She holds a bachelor of administration degree from Villanova University and a Masters of Business Administration from George Washington University. Gina is a member of the Steering Committee of Advertising Week DC and recently has served on the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Pink Tie Party Host Committee. She is a native of the Washington area.
Michael Sikes, Ph.D., senior associate for research and policy at the Arts Education Partnership, oversees the implementation of technical assistance to grantees of the Ford Foundation's Integrating the Arts Initiative and leads development of ArtsEdSearch, an innovative online clearinghouse of research related to arts education and school reform. He has provided technical assistance in evaluation, research and assessment for school districts, state education agencies, the U.S. Departments of Education and State, the National Science Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution and nonprofit organizations. Michael has extensive experience in the design, implementation and synthesis of research. Michael earned his Ph.D. with a certificate in program evaluation from Florida State University and is a longstanding member of the American Evaluation Association.
Allen Weinstein served as the Ninth Archivist of the U.S. from 2005 until 2008. He has served as the President of the Center for Democracy, executive editor of The Washington Quarterly, member of The Washington Post editorial staff, and President of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions. He was University Professor and Professor of History at Boston University, University Professor at Georgetown University and Professor of History at Smith College where he also served as the Chairman of its American Studies Program. He was the founder of the National Endowment for Democracy and a founding member of the United States Institute of Peace. He is the author of numerous books as well as essays. His awards include the United Nations Peace Medal (1986). He was also Coordinator and Vice-Chairman of the U.S. delegation to the 1982 UNESCO World Conference on Culture. He serves presently as a director of the American Heritage Magazine.
The DC Collaborative also added Michael Bobbitt to the Board of Directors Executive Committee as Vice President. He joins other members of the Executive Committee: Jeff Travers, President; Sarah Jencks, Vice President; Jeanette McCune, Secretary; and Geoffrey Fenner, Treasurer. In addition Carol Bogash was designated board member from Ex Officio board member. The newly elected board members join other DC Collaborative board members Anne Corbett (recent past-president); Chris Jennings; Jade Floyd, David Levine; Dorothy McSweeny; Chase Alan Moore; Gail Murdock; and David Snider.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Annual Fall Members Meeting Focuses on Innovative Approaches to Professional Development for Teachers
September 30, 2010
(Washington, DC) – The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) held its Fall membership meeting on September 30, 2010, at the Source Theatre, with nearly fifty members in attendance.
“So many members are doing such important work in the area of educator professional development. Our Fall meeting was an opportunity to hear about specific workshops as well as the conceptual framework for many of those workshops,” Executive Director Louise Kennelly reported. “It was an illuminating kick-off to the Fall season.”
Highlights from Member presentations included the following:
•Raymond Caldwell of Arena Stage relayed highlights from their professional development workshops such as Props 4 Hip Hop and shared updates about their new theater, Mead Center for American Theater, which will officially open to the public for the first time on Saturday, October 23.
•Jeanette McCune of the Kennedy Center outlined their extensive professional development offerings with a focus on building capacity for integrating arts across the curriculum.
•Bruce Taylor gave a compelling talk about the advancement of 21st Century Learning Skills made possible by arts education.
•Caitlin S. Griffin presented on the Folger Shakespeare Library’s array of professional development offerings, including the very popular Shakespeare Set Free workshop which provides a performance-based approach to teaching Shakespeare.
•Erich Keel of the Kreeger Museum shared an inspiring short film, Hear Art, See Music, featuring cross-disciplinary strategies and techniques for ensuring a meaningful and memorable arts experience for students.
•Paul Ruther of the Phillips Collection was joined by Peabody Early Education Center teachers Gail Murdock and Katie Cushman recounting the ways the innovative Teach with O’Keefe program has invigorated their instructional approach.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Participates in 17th Street Festival
September 27, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Collaborative recently celebrated the 17th Street Festival located in the newly renovated 17th Street corridor from Riggs Place to R Street. The festival was a free, community event co-sponsored by Historic DuPont Main Streets, DuPont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) and Ross Elementary PTA.
The DC Collaborative hosted an information resource table to build awareness for the importance of access to the arts for all students. The DC Collaborative also offered a chalk-drawing activity for festival goers of all ages.
Local artists, community organizations, 17th street restaurants and vendors all participated in the event. Festival highlights included a kid’s zone located in the playground of Ross Elementary. Four local bands performed throughout the afternoon .
The DC Collaborative’s festival table was located on the corner of 17th and R streets. The collaborative shared their festival table with Lifting Voices, local non-profit using creative writing to strengthen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills among underserved DC youth.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions, 202-204-7750, info@dccollaborative.org.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Celebrates Arts on Foot Festival
September 20, 2010
(Washington, DC)- The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative recently celebrated the Arts on Foot Festival held on September 11th in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of downtown Washington, DC. The Washington Examiner’s Arts on Foot is DC’s premier fall festival that showcases the upcoming performing and fine arts season. Components of the festival included a fine arts market, crafts, theater, dance, music, film, and cuisine.
The day’s events included live performances at multiple stage locations. Participating DC Collaborative Member organizations included: Shakespeare Theatre Company, Ford’s Theater, Washington Performing Arts Society, CityDance Ensemble, Arena Stage, Washington Improv Theater, Young Playwrights’ Theater, Joy of Motion, Dance Place, and The Washington Ballet.
Sponsored by the Washington Examiner, the DC Collaborative’s booth was located in the Cultural Corridor section of the festival. As part of the DC Collaborative’s Butterfly Initiative, festival- goers helped decorate a four-foot butterfly sculpture by making a wish on a card and attaching it with ribbon to the butterfly. Completed butterfly sculptures are now available for sponsorship. For more information please contact info@dccollaborative.org
“Arts on Foot served as a wonderful showing of some of the vast cultural resources that Washington, DC, has to offer. The DC Collaborative was honored to take part in the festival,” says Executive Director, Louise Kennelly.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Announces Sponsorship Opportunities for the Butterfly Initiative
Taking Flight with the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
September 19, 2010
(Washington, DC) - As part of the DC Collaborative’s Butterfly Initiative: Taking Flight, ten butterfly sculptures decorated by DC public school students were placed on 14th Street establishments through Arts in Education Week, Sept. 12-18. All butterflies are now available for Sponsorship. The butterfly image was chosen because it symbolizes a soaring vision for our community - downtown revitalization, collaboration in the arts, and students being able to "take flight" through artistic expression.
See the DC Collaborative's Butterfly project featured in the Arts & Style section of the Washington Post
Sponsorship Opportunities Include:
Monarch Sponsorship: $2,500, sponsor featured in publications and on website, keeps butterfly
Admiral Sponsorship: $1,500, sponsor featured in publications and on website
Swallowtail Sponsorship: $500, sponsor featured on website
Hosting: Free, installation provided for outdoor butterfly to be temporarily placed on your storefront/building
For more information contact info@dccollaborative.org
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Conducts Field-Trip Orientation for Nearly 100 Teachers
August 30, 2010
(Washington, DC) – The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) held a successful School Orientation event which took place on August 26, 2010, at The Kennedy Center.
The purpose of the event was to guide teachers in the process of participating in the DC Collaborative’s Arts for Every Student (AFES) program designed to provide free transportation and tickets to arts and humanities events for DC public and charter public schools. Teachers learned how to register their schools for these trips offered by DC Collaborative member organizations.
New DC Collaborative members, including the American Poetry Museum, National Museum of American Art, Lincoln’s Cottage, and the National Geographic Museum, presented their programs for the 2010-2011 school year. Highlights of the event included a performance by poet Patrick Washington, a regular on HBO’s Def Poetry.
Additionally, thirty additional DC Collaborative members provided resource tables and shared information about their opportunities for AFES trips this year.
DC Collaborative team members also reviewed the Arts for For Every Student program structure, as well as the registration process for student trips and for teacher professional development workshops.
Some key points from the orientation:
•The opening date for online student trip registration is Monday, September 13, 2010, which kicks off the same week as National Arts in Education Week
•A school’s Key Communicator for AFES trips may access the AFES Online Registration site at www.dccollaborative.org.
A second AFES School Orientation will be offered on September 8, 2010, for any individuals who could not attend the first session. For online registration, visit http://afesschoolorientationsept82010.eventbrite.com/ .
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions, 202-204-7750, info@dccollaborative.org.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Celebrates Open Source Day With Member Workshops and Performances
August 16, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) recently celebrated Open Source Day along with fellow resident organizations located at the Source Theater, marking the height of summer by offering workshops and member presentations.
As part of the day’s showcase, DC Collaborative members were represented by CityDance Ensemble performing a premier dance piece. CityDance artistic Director Paul Gordon Emerson introduced the following CityDance performances:
•Scorched (excerpt) :Choreography by Kate Weare; Music by Nina Simone; Costumes by Kristina Lucka; performed by Giselle Alvarez and Kathryn Pilkington
•Metamorphosis (premiere): Choreography by Christopher K. Morgan and William Smith with Giselle Alvarez; Music by Antonio Vivaldi and Philip Glass; Costumes by Kyle Lang and Christopher K. Morgan; Performed by Giselle Alvarez, Kathryn Pilkington and WIlliam Smith
•At Last (and excerpt from Mattress Suite): Choreography by Larry Keigwin; Music by Etta James; Costume by Kathryn Pilkington; Performed by Kathryn Pilkington
The day’s events also included a Step Afrika workshop conducted by Step Afrika manager Giani Clarkson that was attended by step students of all ages from four to 60 plus.
In addition there were more than fifty attendees at a light saber workshop for young Jedi masters-in-training offered by DC Collaborative member Adventure Theater.
Artist Karen Jones was commissioned by the DC Collaborative to start off the chalk drawing in front of Source Theatre with drawings of colorful butterflies and was soon joined by dozens of enthusiastic chalk drawers. Her butterfly drawings underscored the release of six DC Collaborative butterfly sculptures decorated by DC students and placed on area establishments along 14th Street to raise awareness for equitable access to arts in education.
“We are so pleased in the turn out for this year’s Open Source Day. It truly was a celebration of the arts and of the community , showcasing a sample of the rich cultural resources that the DC Collaborative helps make available to DC public and chartered public school students” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
The celebration took place in conjunction with August 8th’s downtown Dog Days.
Pictures from the event can be seen on the DC Collaborative’s Facebook.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Receives Generous Support from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
August 10, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) announced the receipt of a $60,000 grant from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. The grant will be used to support general operations of the DC Collaborative, dedicated to providing equitable access to arts in education.
"This support makes a tremendous difference in our ability to provide thousands of public school students with high-quality arts experiences," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative. “It is due to long-time supporters such as The Cafritz Foundation that we can continue to offer our unique programs and services in response to ever-increasing demand.”
The DC Collaborative offers a variety of arts and humanities initiatives for students including the Arts for Every Student (AFES) program, involving field trips to area arts events. Through AFES, the DC Collaborative offers opportunities for all DC public and chartered public school students to take full advantage of the vast arts and cultural resources available throughout the DC Metropolitan area.
The DC Collaborative also provides DC public and chartered public school accredited professional development workshops that align with school curriculum. Teachers learn innovative ways to invigorate their lesson plans using artistic and creative techniques and strategies developed by DC Collaborative members.
The DC Collaborative also conducts the Arts Education Initiative (AEI). Through AEI, DC teachers, principals, teaching artists and partners have worked together with the DC Collaborative to test-drive model programs and approaches for arts-integrated curriculum in ten DC public and chartered public schools.
About The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation is the largest private, independent, local Foundation focused exclusively on the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The Foundation is the legacy of Morris Cafritz, one of Washington’s leading commercial and residential builders from the early 1920’s to the mid-60’s. An outstanding civic leader known for his generosity, Morris Cafritz established the Foundation in 1948. His wife, Gwendolyn, one of Washington’s leading hostesses in the post World War II years, was President of the Foundation from 1964 to 1988. In December 1988, Calvin Cafritz was elected to the Board of Directors of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation and since February 1989, has served as Board Chairman. In July 1993, he was elected President and CEO of the Foundation. Since 1970, awards totaling more than $338 million have been granted. In the last 10 years, $164 million has been awarded to more than 920 organizations in the areas of Community Services, Arts and Humanities, Education, Health and the Environment. The Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for residents of the Washington, DC area.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Creates Butterflies with Martha’s Table Community Center Students
Launches Butterfly Initiative: DC Collaborative Taking Flight
July 27, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) recently launched their Butterfly Initiative: DC Collaborative Taking Flight at the Martha’s Table community center.
DC Collaborative staff visited Martha’s Table community center and worked with local students to create origami butterfly decorations as part of the Taking Flight Initiative. Also as part of the initiative, ten butterfly sculptures decorated by DC public school students from schools across the city will be placed on 14th Street establishments in time for August 8th’s downtown Dog Days and Open Source Day celebration.
The butterfly image was chosen because it symbolizes a soaring vision for our community - downtown revitalization, collaboration in the arts, and students being able to "take flight" through artistic expression. The origami butterflies created will be part of a window art installation at the DC Collaborative offices at Source Theater.
“We are delighted that the U/14th Street community has taken an active role in supporting the DC Collaborative Taking Flight Initiative and the goal of equitable arts access for all students,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
Pictures from the event can be seen on the DC Collaborative’s Facebook.
For information regarding how to host or sponsor a butterfly contact info@dccollaborative.org or call 202-204-7750
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Receives Generous Support from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation
June 30, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) announced the receipt of a $30,000 grant from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation. The grant will be used to support general operations of the DC Collaborative.
Due to this support, thousands of students will experience the richness of the arts and humanities through performances and exhibits offered across the District.
"We are very appreciative of this support from the Meyer Foundation which helps ensure that the arts and humanities are part of a high-quality education for DC public and charter school students," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
The DC Collaborative offers a variety of arts and humanities initiatives for students including the Arts for Every Student (AFES) program, involving field trips to area arts events. Through AFES, the DC Collaborative offers opportunities for all DC public and chartered public school students to take full advantage of the vast arts and cultural resources available throughout the DC Metropolitan area.
The DC Collaborative also provides DC public and chartered public school accredited professional development workshops that align with school curriculum. Teachers learn innovative ways to invigorate their lesson plans using artistic and creative techniques and strategies developed by DC Collaborative members.
The DC Collaborative also conducts the Arts Education Initiative (AEI). Through AEI, DC teachers, principals, teaching artists and partners have worked together with the DC Collaborative to test-drive model programs and approaches for arts-integrated curriculum in the DC public and chartered public schools.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Collaborative Receives Capitol Hill Community Foundation Grant
May 20, 2010
(Washington, DC) - The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) announced the receipt of a grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation today. The grant will be used to support the DC Collaborative's work with schools as a part of the Arts Education Initiative (AEI).
Due to this support, hundreds of students from participating AEI schools will benefit from the richness of the arts as they become integrated across the curriculum.
"We are very pleased that Capitol Hill Community Foundation has supported the DC Collaborative again this year. "Their generosity will help sustain this important work designed to engage students in learning," said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the DC Collaborative.
Through AEI, DC teachers, principals, teaching artists and partners have worked together with the DC Collaborative to test-drive model programs and approaches for arts-integrated curriculum in the DC public and chartered public schools. As a result, all schools involved in the AEI have greater access to equitable, high-quality arts education opportunities that support local learning standards and curriculum objectives.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
More than forty members strong, the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative provides equitable access to quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child. Working with its partners, since its founding in 1998, the DC Collaborative produces such exemplary programs as Arts for Every Student and the Arts Education Initiative.
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DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Announces New Executive Director
April 20, 2010
(Washington, DC) – The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DC Collaborative) announced the appointment of Louise Kennelly as its new executive director.
“On behalf of the entire DC Collaborative, I welcome Louise Kennelly as our new Executive Director,” said Jeffrey Travers, President of the DC Collaborative “Louise brings to the Collaborative her deep understanding of the transformative power of arts in education, broad education reform experience, and an appreciation of the coalition building necessary for making our work successful. She will truly be an asset to the DC Collaborative.”
Ms. Kennelly joins the Collaborative after more than a decade working with nonprofits committed to education reform. Most recently, she was a Director at the federally funded National High School Center at the American Institutes for Research dedicated to bridging research to practice for better high schools. Prior to that position, she was a Managing Director at New American Schools overseeing the provision of external relations services, including outreach, policy, media relations and fundraising.
“Louise has great experience, and I know she will be adept at linking the Collaborative’s efforts to the larger national agenda for arts education. She understands the intersection of policy, communications and research and also brings a passion for the arts that will help relay the imperative behind providing more arts access to more students,” said Anne Corbett, a board member and chair of the Search Committee.
“There are unparalleled opportunities for arts experiences of the highest possible quality right here in DC. I look forward to expanding arts access to more DC students so that they can benefit from the excellent and varied artists and arts institutions our nation’s capital has to offer. By stabilizing our provision of services, growing our programming, and introducing our work to more stakeholders and supporters we can continue to expand access to the arts,” said Louise Kennelly.
Ms. Kennelly is a published poet and painter showing at the Anne C. Fisher Gallery, a recipient of a Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award, a North Carolina State Arts Council Grant, and is a Maryland Artist in the Schools through the Maryland State Arts Council Arts in Education Artist-in-Residency program. She is an adjunct faculty member of Hood College and is a graduate of Yale University, the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and has an MFA from the University of North Carolina.
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DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative Supports Increased Role
for the Arts in Voluntary State Common Core Standards Initiative
April 1, 2010
Washington, D.C- The D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative called for an expanded role for the arts in the Voluntary State Common Core Standards Initiative but noted the current draft represents an important step forward for the integral role of arts in education.
The standards suggest the ways in which language mastery involves knowledge of other subjects such as art and music, in addition to literature, and indicates that these subjects should be included in class time devoted to literacy.
The proposed Common Core State Standards coordinated by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, state that the standards "must be complemented by a well-developed, content-rich curriculum, including a rich blend of stories, drama, and poetry as well as informational texts from a range of content areas."
The D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative has long advocated for rigorous standards in the arts as a core academic subject and is committed to advancing the role of the arts in transforming learning so that it is engaging and challenging and contributes to the healthy development of the whole student.
"We look forward to the voluntary adoption of a set of rigorous standards for all of the arts and trust that any development of accompanying sample curriculum or assessments developed by the States Common Core Initiative will demonstrate the key role arts can play in accelerating learning in all subjects," said Jeff Travers, president of the D.C. Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.
"We have seen a narrowing of the curriculum over the last decade at a time when the demands of an information-based economy call for a well-rounded graduate with a grasp of academic literacy across the curriculum, a goal that arts infusion in education can help achieve," he said.
Arts in education can have a particularly positive impact on students most at risk, playing an important role in helping to close the achievement gap, and it is therefore essential that they are accessible to all students. The adoption of a common core that stresses high levels of arts education will help accomplish this goal.
The current draft of the common core standards reflects a recognition that higher-order thinking skills and content mastery, both supported by arts in education, are not mutually exclusive but are inter-dependent and both critical to a high standards-based education. In addition, the D.C. Collaborative encourages an expanded list of illustrative texts that is even more inclusive of a variety of perspectives from multiple cultures.
Because learning takes place among students both inside and outside of the classroom, increasingly involving technology enhanced media featuring video, audio and design components, it makes sense for policymakers, administrators, and practitioners to share a set of standards across multiple artistic mediums as soon as possible in their goal to support learning.
About the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative:
The DC Collaborative’s mission is to strengthen and promote the arts and humanities as basic and integral to a high-quality education for all students in DC public and chartered public schools. The DC Collaborative believes the arts – inclusive of dance, music, theater, and visual arts – and the humanities are essential to the education of every student. The organization is a collective voice of more than 40 members from the local arts and cultural community, promoting quality arts and humanities education for all DC public and chartered public schools for the growth of the whole child.
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