This August, Interlochen Center for the Arts, in partnership with Michigan Youth Arts, convened Michigan’s first Arts Education Policy Forum to address the many challenges facing the state’s arts education community.
The forum took place on the Interlochen campus and included representatives from Michigan Youth Arts, Interlochen Center for the Arts, ArtServe Michigan, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Department of Education and 15 other statewide arts education organizations. Together they developed a statewide policy agenda to advance arts education in Michigan.
“As educators and leaders in the arts we have a vital responsibility to shape the future of arts education – and the overall direction taken by this state,” said Jeffrey Kimpton, President of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “The policy forum was an important first step in the process of ensuring that all Michigan students have access to a quality, comprehensive education in the arts.”
The group identified three broad policy goals that emphasized access to the arts, teacher training and a compulsory presence in public schools. Small committees will meet throughout the year to plan and implement strategies and leaders plan to hold another forum next year.
“This year’s forum is not the end of the process, it’s just the beginning. It established that we have a clear consensus of our vision,” said Kim Dabbs, executive director of Michigan Youth Arts. “We all believe that schools should be educating the whole child and offering a complete education that includes the visual and performing arts at every grade level.”
