Arts Education an Investment in our Community’s Future
There is no question that arts education helps students learn, achieve and succeed at measurably increased levels. Learning in and through the arts develops creativity, confidence, problem solving, communication, social engagement and more, all leading to greater academic achievement.
That’s why Arts Central operates Central Oregon’s largest arts education programs through the Art Station. Arts Central is deeply committed to providing every child with access to a high quality arts education and, through its Artists in Schools program, is currently working in 32 schools throughout a five-county area. But, while low income and at-risk students are the ones who benefit most from arts education, they are the ones who are least likely to receive it due to school budget constraints and a lack of resources.
Recognizing the need to ensure all students have the opportunity to develop their talents and academic skills, Arts Central, in partnership with the Buccola Family, The Buccola Group at the Hasson Company Realtors and Greenpoint Technologies, has created the Adopt a School initiative. Backed by a generous $50,000 donation from these two businesses, Adopt a School is designed to bring a robust arts education program into 17 schools throughout the Bend LaPine School District, selected because at least 50 percent of the student population is utilizing the district’s free or reduced-cost meal programs.
Arts Central’s Executive Director Cate O’Hagan states, “Arts education varies dramatically from school to school, with little or no continuity in continued arts development as students get older. This initiative will complement what schools are already doing and close the gaps in access to arts education.”
Funding from the Buccola Group and Greenpoint Technologies launched the Adopt a School initiative in the form of community outreach, instructor training and the hiring of additional staff. Now, the ongoing success of the program relies on local companies and donors stepping up and adopting one or more of the 17 schools.
The investment ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 for a full school year of meaningful arts education delivered by professional art instructors. Working with the individual school’s needs and curriculum, Arts Central will create a customized arts education program that can include art projects linked to specific classroom learning objectives, “meet the artist” lectures/demonstrations, family art night and art installations for a school or community site.
Gene Buccola, Buccola Group leader, explains, “The Adopt a School initiative is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to make a tremendous impact in the community. The program provides students with a rich learning experience that will not only shape their lives but the future of our region’s workforce as well. In my mind, there is no greater investment a company can make.”
To learn more about Arts Central’s Adopt a School initiative, contact Debbie Butler at 541-633-7242.
