Arts Ed NJ launches pilot Youth Arts Education Advocacy Council and announces two youth summits in April 2024

(Burlington, New Jersey) — Arts Education in New Jersey is pleased to announce a new pilot initiative, the Youth Arts Education Council. Arts Ed NJ, a statewide arts education advocacy organization and New Jersey's central resource for arts education information and policy, has hired a dynamic group of 11 passionate high school art leaders. They are supported by 35 student council members, all of whom are passionate about arts advocacy. We provide arts education throughout New Jersey.

This effort is led by Arts Ed New Jersey staff and facilitators Italia Jare Lee and Liv Velasco, both alumni of the prestigious New Jersey Governor's Award in Arts Education for colloquial language and advocacy. . With a mission to amplify youth voices and advance the advancement of arts education, the Council serves as a catalyst for positive change in the state.

Youth Arts Education Council leaders will spearhead a variety of efforts to engage and mobilize members within the school community. One of the primary objectives is to establish mini-cohorts within counties, districts, and schools dedicated to advocating for arts education and promoting a culture of creativity and expression across the state. In addition, council leaders will establish an in-school public relations team tasked with promoting exhibitions and performances in the visual and performing arts departments that showcase student talent and creativity across the state.

A cornerstone of the council's work is the planning and execution of a two-part virtual youth arts education summit scheduled for April 20th and 27th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This summit provides a platform for students from across New Jersey to come together, learn, exchange ideas, and advocate for the importance of arts education in their lives and communities.

“With funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey Arts Council, we are launching the Youth Arts Education Council and empowering student leaders to advocate for arts education in New Jersey,” said Wendy Liskow. I'm excited.'' Executive Director, New Jersey Department of Arts Education. “Arts education programs in schools have a direct and profound impact on youth, and student voices and perspectives are essential to advocating for the continuation and expansion of arts education in and out of school. students can share their first-hand experiences about what has had a positive impact on their lives, academic performance, and personal growth. Additionally, Arts Ed NJ Community Activator and Council Staff Leader Monifa Kincaid said, She said, “By empowering young people to be advocates, we are developing a new generation of leaders who will continue to champion the value of arts education in their communities now and into the future.”

This initiative is particularly important to New Jersey because it addresses an urgent need for quality arts education in the state. Despite New Jersey's rich cultural heritage, many schools face challenges in providing strong arts programs due to budget constraints and competing priorities. Empowering students to advocate for arts education will not only ensure that all New Jersey children have access to a comprehensive education, including access to arts education, but will also help the state's current and future It can also strengthen the creative economy.

Arts Education in New Jersey It is the leading statewide organization dedicated to promoting and supporting arts education for all students. Arts Ed NJ strives to ensure that all New Jersey students have the opportunity to engage with the arts and unlock their creative potential by advocating for policies and programs that prioritize arts learning.

Arts Ed NJ receives funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Grunin Foundation, the Macmillan Foundation, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, the New Jersey Arts and Cultural Revitalization Fund, and many others. Individual supporter.