The New York City Department of Education and The Al Hirschfeld Foundation announced today the launch of The Al Hirschfeld Project for public school educators (K-12) that explores the arts through the lines and shapes of artist Al Hirschfeld. A reception will take place Thursday, March 13th at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th St.) to formally announce the curriculum.
The Al Hirschfeld Project has been created to allow a new generation of New Yorkers access to Hirschfeld's work and discover how the use of line conveys the spirit of the arts. Through Hirschfeld's drawings, teachers of dance, music, theater and visual arts will educate students about the performing arts over the last century. A new generation can "count the Ninas" as teachers weave the Blueprint-based resource into their classroom work. The Hirschfeld curriculum was developed specifically to complement the Department of Education's Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts, a set of clear standards outlining what students should know and be able to achieve in the four arts forms from pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade. The program is an ongoing course of study leading students to develop skills and knowledge in the arts. "I would like to thank the Al Hirschfeld Foundation for sharing his legacy with our students," said Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. "I look forward to seeing the many creative ways that our teachers use this new resource as a tool to engage students and enrich their understanding of the history of the performing arts in New York City."Videos