Welcome to the EdTA Advocacy Update
June 28, 2016
The Advocacy Update is where you can find current national and state news concerning arts advocacy and arts education
EdTA NEWS
Thespian Nation: Every year, the chapters of the International Thespian Society hold Thespian festivals across the country. Follow us here for exciting, yearlong coverage of the Thespian events season culminating in the International Thespian Festival held in Lincoln, Nebraska!
NATIONAL NEWS
NEA Approved for Arts Funding Increase: The House Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations approved a $2 million increase in federal funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). (RACC)
STATE NEWS
Got state theatre and other arts education news you want to share? Send it to May mhetzer@schooltheatre.org
Alabama: Anniston nonprofit expands arts classes to all Calhoun County students (Anniston Star)
California: 'Overwhelming' report outlines strategies to add more arts programs to Burbank schools (Los Angeles Times)
L.A. school district passes $7.6-billion budget; some planned spending disputed (Los Angeles Times)
Colorado: Bringing Back the Arts: Program gives rise to local high school talent (The Denver Channel)
Idaho: Storytelling Through Art Camp Registration Open (Twin Falls Times-News)
Iowa: Arts are central to education (The Gazette)
Kentucky: STEAM | Creativity the cornerstone of education (The Courier-Journal)
Massachusetts: City Unveils Arts Plan For Boston -- And Where The Money Is Coming From To Make It Happen (WBUR)
Get the arts off the couch (The Boston Globe)
Michigan: Park West Gallery Emphasizes the Importance of Art Education in Schools (PR Newswire (press release))
New Jersey: A Medical Doctor In Love With The Arts (newsindiatimes.com)
Oklahoma: Kravis Summer Arts Camp fills void left by budget cuts, education trends (Tulsa World)
Texas: Arts education in Valley important to local Broadway, TV actress (Monitor)
Virginia: State makes new push for fine arts courses in schools (AJC.com)
WORTH READING
Andrew Lloyd Weber Donates $1.3 Million to Underfunded Art Programs: The Andrew Lloyd Weber Foundation announced it will donate $1.3 million to the American Theatre Wing — the founder of the Tony Awards – which will distribute the money to underfunded schools in the U.S. (Huffington Post)
Why the arts matter more when tragedies like the Orlando shooting happens: It is the arts, music, writing, storytelling, and listening that sprouts empathy in us. The arts are what changes people's hearts and minds. And this helps us heal. (ChicagoNow (blog))