I have been kept from sleep for many nights this week. Philadelphia schools, despite recent claims for change, continue to lose music and arts education programs by (give or take) 20% every year. At times of economic uncertainty, audiences attend less performances, arts organizations are hit hard, and undoubtedly, schools cut music and arts education.
Despite research and evidence that suggests that music and arts engage the spatial-temporal neurons of the brain, raise test scores, and help with important developments in the brain, it seems like many seem to buy in to the idea that music and arts are subsidiary. I disagree. And I would love to see the Philadelphia Folksong Society lead a charge to help make music and arts available to every single child in Philadelphia.
It is a lofty endeavor. It will require a coalition involvement of arts organizations; families; churches, synagogues, and mosques; school administrators; foundations; corporations; artists; and others. Uniting such groups can prove especially daunting, but the alternative is devastating. By partnering, Philadelphia could send a clear message that arts are too important to be swept aside.
A coalition plan could see individuals and organizations 1) building awareness about our concerns and 2) implementing programs to change the contextual framework of music and arts education. The coalition would build awareness at arts and cultural events. What is more, an implementation plan would involve schools and principals as well as community artists offering free or affordable music and arts classes outside of schools.
The connection for the Philadelphia Folksong Society is obvious. Not only is education a focal point of our mission, but folk arts call on the person-to-person interaction that such a coalition effort would require. My entire world-view and thought processes have been altered and shaped by my understanding of music. Now it is time to come together and build a cultural landscape that can carry into every facet of Philadelphia life.
It's more than cheesesteaks and cream cheese here.
2 comments:
I'd be interested in reading more about the nuts and bolts of how you make this goal a reality.
How will you communicate your goals to school boards, teachers, legislators?
What specially are your goals?
Dearest Ryan,
The Arts for Every Child Project will be a two-phase consortium effort. Phase 1 will involve citing and partnering with other arts education organizations, schools, parents and artists. The emphasis at this point will be on promoting services that already exist (particularly grassroots and small organization programs). In this stage, AECP will develop a web database to find free/affordable arts programs in various parts of Southeastern PA, promote programs that may be further off of the radar, and rally parents and the community to display how important arts education is in Philadelphia.
Lastly, Phase 1 will find these organizations compiling research on the "gaps" (needs of the 83+ schools without formal arts programs, underserved communities, etc).
Phase 2 will involve the implementation of new programs through volunteer artists, the development of an instrument co-op that lends instruments to children, and the beginnings of standardizing grassroots efforts to insure quality education.
Let's chat more about it.
LL
ps.Your blog is fascinating.
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