In March, we hosted a hugely successful Year II wrap-up meeting of arts organizations, teaching artists, and IPS educators at Arts for Learning. This gathering featured year-end presentations by initiative leaders who have worked this year in addressing gaps in arts education. Brenda Johnston, Butler University (Goal 1), secured approval of the external communications toolkit; and a plan for parent engagement; Andrew Black, Central Indiana Community Foundation (Goal 2), presented the baseline criteria for programs and the three tiers of arts organization engagement; David Newman, Indianapolis Public Schools (Goal 3), reported on the scheduling professional development for IPS arts specialists for fall/winter 2017/2018 including teaching artists from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and Greg Wallis, Harrison College (Goal 4), advanced the draft job description for a school arts liaison and proposed a plan for web portal selection process. The March meeting concluded the subcommittee work of the Professional Development Committee, Evaluation & Assessment Committee, and Budget & Resources Committee. Only the Creative Engagement Committee has plans to continue meeting this spring/summer as they prepare to celebrate National Arts in Education Week in September.

This spring, the Any Given Child Indy Steering Committee will:

1. Release the 2017-2018 Action Plan;
2. Announce the names of the Any Given Child Indy pilot schools and their arts organization partners; and
3. Celebrate National Arts in Education Week (September 10-16, 2017).

Ernest Disney-Britton
Director of Grant Services & Education Partnerships
Arts Council of Indianapolis