Each year, the cultural and education communities come together to celebrate the transformative power of the arts in education to transform our communities, schools, teaching, and learning. As our young people and educators return to school, we take time to reflect on the role of arts education in our lives and how it has contributed to making us the people we are today. The research is undeniable: when schools and communities embrace the arts — dance, music, theatre, visual and media arts — students benefit, educators are more effective, and learning communities are revolutionized.

Designated by Congress in 2010, National Arts in Education Week is a celebration of the transformative power of the arts in education. This year, celebrate throughout the community from September 9-15, 2018, and I encourage all supporters of arts, culture, and education-as well as our elected officials and education leaders-to join us at the Colquitt County Arts Center during the entire month of September by attending our “Illustrious Expressions” Glass Exhibit from 10am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday,  by joining one of our many visual arts workshops or classes such as Making Pumpkin Centerpieces on September 25th at 6:30pmor Furniture Facelift September 21st at 6:30pm, by participating in our 2nd Saturday Tie Dye Extravaganza at 10am, by auditioning for Seussical the Musical on September 11th  at 5:30pm(middle and junior high students), or by rocking to the sound of Rumours: Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band on September 15th at 7:30pm.

In order to reap the benefits of arts-rich schools and arts-infused communities for all members, we must focus on increasing access, particularly for students who are typically disenfranchised. Additionally, we must focus our efforts on broadening and diversifying the leadership pipeline, so that our arts educators, cultural program leaders, and our community’s artists reflect the communities in which they are working.  The research is clear: youth who participate in the arts are more likely to be successful in school, college, and career than their peers who did not have arts education.

As we celebrate National Arts in Education Week, we should take pause to cheer for our accomplishments, but also remember the work we have to do. How can we support parents, families, and the community in providing more opportunities for arts education? It’s up to us-the arts education community-to take a stand and take the lead – and we can start during National Arts in Education Week.  For more information on how you can get involved in the arts, to register for classes, or to purchase tickets, contact us at the Colquitt County Arts Center at 229-985-1922, stop by our office at 401 7th Ave SW, visit us at www.colquittcountyarts.com, or follow us on social media.  We look forward to seeing you get involve d, and bring your friends!