At the Sarasota County Arts Council we are convinced that excellence in education can only be possible with the full inclusion of the arts. We are committed to ensuring that our young people have the best possible opportunities to reap the proven benefits that the arts bring to the educational experience.

Simply click on the icons below to discover the wealth of arts programs here in your county.

Artists in Schools	Arts Education Task Force	Community/School Partnership for the Arts

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It is gratifying to see the federal government through National Standards for Arts Education, recognize the arts as part of the core curriculum. This doesn’t mean our advocacy work is done. It’s not enough to simply require that the arts be taught in the classroom – we must ensure the quality and quantity of the arts learning is sufficient. That is why we are members of Florida Alliance/Arts for a Complete Education (ACE) and a member of Americans for the Arts, leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.”

Following are links to web sites and other information to help you get "art smart."

Artists-in-Schools Artists-in-Schools is one of Sarasota County Arts Council's longest running programs and has served hundreds of thousands of people of all ages over the last 12 years.   About the Program Artists-in-Schools brings professional artists into K-12 schools to give students extended learning experience in the arts and to model arts education for teachers. Artist services may include performances, lectures, workshops, master classes, readings and multi-disciplinary experiences. The Artist in Schools program also included parks and recreation centers, senior facilities, correctional facilities, hospitals, libraries, community centers, as well as private businesses, organizations and individuals. Artists-in-Schools is supported in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, License Plate Funds and members of the Sarasota County Arts Council.

Students building mobiles during the Art & Science residency at Gocio Elementary School.

A standing committee of the Sarasota County Arts Council since 1988, the Arts Education Task Force brings together education directors from arts organizations in Sarasota County , Sarasota County School staff, community members and interested citizens to support arts education in our schools and our community.

The Task Force:

• Supports arts education as an essential part of a complete education for every student
• Follows current research on the value of arts education and the impact of the arts on learning
• Advocates arts education at the local, county, state and national level

AETF Programs:

• Professional Development Workshops
• Guidance Counselor Meetings
• Principals Recognition Luncheon
• Assistant Principals Recognition Reception

Sarasota County arts organizations offer education programs which enhance and support sequential arts education taught by certified, qualified teachers in our public schools. For students seeking in-depth or extended arts experiences, there is a wealth of opportunities our many outstanding arts organizations offer.

The Sarasota County Arts Council, in partnership with Arts Education Directory founding sponsor, Kraft Construction, Inc., publishes a directory of arts education programs offered by 32 Sarasota County organizations. Download a PDF version of the directory by clicking the icon below.

Arts Education Directory (48 pages)	Arts Education Directory Founding Sponsor Kraft Construction, Inc.

Community/Schools Partnership for the Arts

The Community/Schools Partnership for the Arts ( C/SPA ) was created in 1996 as an official Advisory Committee for the Superintendent of the Sarasota County Schools. This unique partnership between the Sarasota County Arts Council and the Sarasota Public School District is comprised of school and district administrators, teachers, and community arts education advocates. C/SPA's works to strengthen arts education within Sarasota County , increasing the opportunity for all students to receive instruction from arts-certified teachers.

Vision

C/SPA envisions every student participating in a quality arts program taught through a balanced curriculum based on national standards with school and community collaboration.

Mission

C/SPA provides leadership in the continual development, implementation, and celebration of education in, about, and through the arts for all students in Sarasota County

Accomplishments

C/SPA is one of the few groups in the nation involved in such a large and successful partnership between the community and the school district.

• In 2002 C/SPA was recognized at a national symposium of the Arts Education Partnership (AEP) for its outstanding partnership between the arts community and the school district.
• since 1996 it has expanded arts education for all students in the Sarasota County Public Schools
• secured funding for new programs and equipment
• developed new arts education programs
• added arts teachers

If you would like more information about arts education and to find out how you can become involved, click here!