March Proclaimed 'Lincoln Center Education Month'

The New York City Council honored Lincoln Center Education (LCE) today with an official proclamation recognizing March as Lincoln Center Education Month. This special distinction recognizes Lincoln Center Education (LCE), the education cornerstone of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, for 40 years of outstanding and innovative work as a leader in arts education and advocacy. LCE's work has enriched the lives of educators and students of all ages through the arts.

Building on decades of distinguished research and activity in the field of arts-in-education that have touched tens of millions of lives, in recent years, Lincoln Center Education has developed several new initiatives and greatly expanded its reach within New York City's five boroughs, the country and across the globe. LCE's dedication to work with schools, students and educators has resulted in innovative partnerships, such as the Lincoln Center Scholars program, in partnership with Hunter College and the New York City Department of Education, which positioned Lincoln Center as the first performing arts organization to partner with a university to train, certify and place music, theater and dance teachers in public schools with little to no arts programs. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp , a free, annual two-week program, run in partnership with the Department of Education, designed to prepare rising eighth graders who attend city public schools in low-income communities to audition for competitive high school arts programs and to encourage parent involvement in that process. LCE also commissioned and produced Up and Away , created in collaboration with Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, New York's first multi-sensory theatrical experience specifically designed for young audiences on the autism spectrum. Additionally, LCE has renewed its commitment to family programming and community outreach, with programs like Boro-Linc, which brings Lincoln Center's resources and family programs to community centers around the five boroughs, eliminating geographic barriers to offer greater access to quality workshops and performances. Each year, up to half a million students, teachers, teaching artists, parents and lifelong learners are impacted by LCE's efforts promoting creativity, imagination, critical thought and perseverance. Current and future initiatives focus specifically on youth development and the 600,000 New Yorkers living in public housing.

"Arts education is a significant priority of Lincoln Center, and as important as anything on our stages" said Jed Bernstein, president of Lincoln Center. "Access to the arts is vital, and for 40 years, we have worked to bring the arts closer to students, teachers, and learners of all ages. Lincoln Center is proud to receive this special honor from our great city for this important and continuing work."

"We believe the arts can be transformational, and that every child should have access to a quality arts education," said Russell Granet, Executive Vice President of Lincoln Center Education, Community Engagement, and International. "It is imperative that we make the arts and its important qualities to everyday life available to everyone, and the work of Lincoln Center Education is focused on that ambitious goal. We offer our tremendous gratitude to the New York City Council for recognizing our dedicated efforts to educate, inspire and enrich."

"It is wonderful to be recognized by the City Council for our important efforts," said Ann Unterberg, chair of Lincoln Center Education. "LCE's reach across all five boroughs and around the world, demonstrates the demand for high quality arts education. We have seen incredible results that positively impact the students and their communities."

The proclamation was presented at a ceremony at Council Chambers at City Hall in New York by the City Council to representatives of Lincoln Center and Lincoln Center Education on March 9, 2016.

"Thanks to Lincoln Center Education's wonderful and inspiring work, New York City continues to be a place where great art can be shared by all, where New Yorkers in every community in every borough can pick up a paint brush, train to become a dance teacher and pursue their creative ambitions with passion," stated New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. "I am especially thankful for the work that you are doing to engage young people and families from low-income communities and high-need school districts who have had little to no access to the arts and Lincoln Center."

"Arts education is an integral part of every child's education," said New York City Council Education Committee Chairperson Daniel Dromm. "Theater, dance, music and the visual arts motivate our students to excel in school and simply enrich their lives. I am pleased to honor Lincoln Center Education for providing our public school students with greater access to the arts and wish them many more years of success."

"I am delighted to honor Lincoln Center Education today for their 40 years of service to educate young New Yorkers from all boroughs and socioeconomic backgrounds," added New York City Council Member Helen Rosenthal. "The impact of their programming for students and their families has been profound. By opening a world of cultural experience and providing the opportunity to share that experience with their families at Lincoln Center, students of PS 191 in my district, have had the opportunity to be challenged and inspired. LCE's programs are a favorite of school administrators, teachers, students and parents alike for its holistic vision of developing deep knowledge of a subject and then creating performance around that subject. I am proud to support their work in my school district."

Pictured, left to right: New York City Council Member Margaret Chin; Vivienne LaBorde, Lincoln Center, Director, Government and Community Engagement; New York City Council Member Helen Rosenthal; Ann Unterberg, Lincoln Center Education Chair; Russell Granet, Executive Vice President, Lincoln Center Education, Community Engagement, and International; New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito; New York City Council Education Committee Chairperson Daniel Dromm; New York City Council Finance Committee Chairperson Julissa Ferreras; New York City Council Member Laurie Cumbo