Synthesizing extensive research of arts education practice across the United States, this handbook is a guide to designing arts education professional development for K-12 classroom teachers and provides a searchable database of 50 arts learning communities. Explore this interactive resource online or download the full handbook.
Arts & the Economy: Using Arts and Culture to Stimulate State Economic Development
Governors increasingly recognize the importance of the creative sector to their states’ economy and ability to compete in the global marketplace. “Creative industries” provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: They create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases. These industries also provide an array of other benefits, such as infusing other industries with creative insight for their products and services and preparing workers to participate in the contemporary workforce. In addition, because they enhance quality of life, the arts and culture are an important complement to community development, enriching local amenities and attracting young professionals to an area. This report looks at best practices for enhancing the creative economy in your state.
BOOK: The Artist’s Guide to Public Art
From the description:
How to Find and Win Commissions
The Artist’s Guide to Public Art is a must-have for everyone who wants to succeed in the growing field of Public Art. The book shows how to start and build a career in public art and assists in navigating the “system,” working efficiently, and standing up for the rights of artists. First-hand accounts from experienced public artists and arts administrators provide tips for the best ways to find, apply for, and win public art commissions.
This guide includes chapters on contracts, working with fabricators, committee presentations, coordination with project managers, preparation of proposals and budgets, dealing with conflict and controversy, and running an efficient business. Author Lynn Basa has produced site-specific art for hospitals, universities, corporate headquarters, and private collections. She is the former chair of the Seattle Arts Commission’s Public Art Committee and currently teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
The effect of piano lessons on the vocabulary and verbal sequencing skills of primary grade students
According to a just-published study in the journal Psychology of Music, the reading skills of young children who received structured training in music were clearly superior to those of their peers who did not have the benefit of such instruction. The finding is particularly striking because both groups of kids took part in comprehensive literacy training, in which lengthy periods of their school day were dedicated to reading and writing.
Creative Placemaking
Creative Placemaking is a resource for mayors, arts organizations, the philanthropic sector, and others interested in understanding strategies for leveraging the arts to help shape and revitalize the physical, social, and economic character of neighborhoods, cities, and towns. In the words of the report, “Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired.” SEE PRESS RELEASE SEE REPORT
BOOK: Sparks of Genius: The Thirteen Thinking Tools of the World’s Most Creative People
From the publisher’s website: Exercise your imagination and set off sparks of genius. Explore the “thinking tools” of extraordinary people, from Albert Einstein and Jane Goodall to Amadeus Mozart and Virginia Woolf, and learn how you can practice the same imaginative skills to become your creative best. With engaging narratives and ample illustrations, Robert and Michele Root-Bernstein investigate cognitive tools as diverse as observing, imaging, recognizing patterns, modeling, playing, and more. Sparks of Genius is “a clever, detailed and demanding fitness program for the creative mind” (Kirkus Reviews) and a groundbreaking guidebook for anyone interested in imaginative thinking, lifelong learning, and transdisciplinary education.
From the author’s biography at Psychology Today where they have the blog “Imagine That!“: A full professor at Michigan State University, Robert studies the evolution of physiological control systems, autoimmune diseases and scientific creativity; Michele, a writer, Kennedy Center teaching artist and adjunct faculty member at MSU, currently studies the invention of imaginary worlds from childhood to adulthood.
