TABLE OF CONTENTS
April 2015
topArts Learning Newsletter
This online newsletter from the Arts Learning Department at the Arizona Commission on the Arts provides relevant, current and important information from the local, regional and national Arts Learning and Teaching Artist fields.
ARTS COMMISSION NEWS
Call for Proposals: Strengthening Schools through Arts Partnerships
This Arts Commission grant program supports substantive school/community partnerships that implement initiatives aimed at effecting change in low performing schools (Arizona "D" and "F" label schools) by strengthening teaching and learning in arts education and/or arts integration. 

Proposals may focus on any number of effective models, and must utilize the proposed arts programming to address desired goals and outcomes in support of the school's school improvement plan and/or capacity-building efforts. Partnerships must include at least one school and one nonprofit arts organization or governmental entity; eligible schools must be Arizona "D" or "F" label schools (based on current accountability letter grade). Either partner may serve as the primary applicant. 

The Letter of Interest deadline is Thursday, April 16, 2015  and the 2015-2016 guidelines can be found online at  http://www.azarts.gov/grants/special-initiatives/.

Online Information Session
An online information session for prospective applicants will be presented on Monday, April 6, 2015, at 12:00pm; click here to register

Click here to learn more
MEDIA COVERAGE
Arts Education Poised for Comeback in Nation's Largest School Districts
Urban school districts across the country are taking significant steps to expand curriculums to include arts education after years of budget cuts. These schools are making a case for the arts signifying that creative learning as centerpiece for quality education. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Creative Age: Creativity and Aging in America
May 19-21, 2015│Washington, D.C.
The 2015 National Center for Creative Aging conference will align with the White House Conference on Aging focusing on the business of creative aging, the research of creative aging, and the practice of creative aging. Leaders in the field will be presenting best practices, program building tools, and methods that will be beneficial to developing your programs. Early registration ends April 17th. 

Kennedy Center National Seminar for Teaching Artists
Application Deadline: May 29, 2015
The Kennedy Center is offering a National Seminar for teaching artists who wish to strengthen the quality and impact of their work. Participants will explore the Kennedy Center's approach to planning effective residencies for students as well as lesson design. The National Seminar will take place August 11-13 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. 

OPPORTUNITIES
Call for Art: 2015 Intergenerational Art Show 
Deadline: April 15, 2015
"What does it feel like to be 60, 70, 80?" In partnership with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the Arizona Age-Friendly Network invites artists of all ages, mediums and skill-levels to share work in response to this question. Selected works will be presented at the Going Places Conference, May 6, 2015.

Public Review Sessions for New Draft Arizona Arts Standards
The Arizona Department of Education is holding public review sessions to review draft Arizona Arts Standards. Teachers, students, parents, community artists and cultural organizations are invited to attend and participate. Review sessions will take place in-person and online throughout April. 


FUNDING
2015 NACF Artist Fellowship Program 
Deadline: April 6, 2015
The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is accepting applications from American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian artists for 2015 NACF Fellowships, an annual program that supports Native artists in dance, filmmaking, literature, music, traditional arts and visual arts.

Creative Community Fellows Program
Deadline: April 26, 2015
The National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellows program supports leaders working at the intersection of culture and community. Led by experts and world-renowned thought leaders Fellows gain the tools, skills and networks to activate their ideas.


Crayola Creative Leadership Grant
Deadline: June 22, 2015
The Crayola Creative Leadership Grant program supports innovative, creative leadership team building within elementary schools (the principal must be a member of NAESP). Each grant-winning school (up to 20 grants awarded) receives $2,500 and Crayola products valued at $1,000. 

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK
Feel free to send us your comments, suggestions or a story idea you'd like to see in the next issue. Email: [email protected]
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about our programs and services at the Arizona Commission on the Arts, visit www.azarts.gov
ARTS LEARNING STAFF
Alex Nelson
Director of Arts Learning
[email protected]

Patrick Fanning
Arts Learning and Special Projects Coordinator  
[email protected]

417 West Roosevelt Street 
Phoenix AZ 85003-1326  
tel     (602) 771-6501
fax     (602) 256-0282


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