The Wallis In Partnership With Los Angeles Magazine Presents CENTER STAGE

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts continues its partnership with Los Angeles magazine to present CENTER STAGE - Moving Beyond Scarcity: Achieving a Brighter Future for Arts Education in Los Angeles, a dynamic panel discussion with local arts and education leaders about a rise in arts programs in the region's public schools on February 20, 2019 at 9 am, at The Wallis. After years of diminished support and cuts in public school arts programs, there is currently positive momentum to expand arts programs across Los Angeles County. This conversation, which explores some of the exciting arts education initiatives in motion as well as avenues for community involvement, is moderated by The Wallis' Director of Education, Mark Slavkin, with Los Angeles magazine Deputy Editor, Marielle Wakim, and features panelists Dai Shalon Jordan and Jennifer Lobliner-Cortez, educators whose schools are working with Turnaround Arts CA, Joe Landon of California Alliance for Arts Education, and Pat Wayne of CREATE California. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The Chamber Singers from Hamilton High School Academy of Music and Performing Arts, directed by Wendy Walsh, will open the event with a special performance, and complimentary refreshments are generously being provided by Porta Via Beverly Hills.

"Public schools in Los Angeles have begun to experiencing a resurgence in arts education programs, thanks, in part, to vital community partnerships," says Slavkin. "There are some incredibly diverse ground-breaking programs in the pipeline that are beginning to gain traction as well as national attention. Leaders in the arts and education sectors are committed to working together closely to ensure that the next generation of students receives high quality arts education in the classroom. This event will delve into what's propelling this positive trend in arts education in LA."

"The Wallis is deeply committed to advocacy and serving as a resource for the community," says The Wallis' Executive Director and CEO Rachel Fine. "We are proud to partner with Los Angeles magazine on this important program to advance high quality arts education in public schools."

"There's never been a more hopeful time for arts education in Los Angeles than right now," added Los Angeles Magazine Deputy Editor Marielle Wakim. "The unprecedented growth and collaboration among a variety of arts and education organizations will help ensure arts education is an essential component of public education."

This free event carries forward The Wallis' commitment to accessible arts and culture for the Los Angeles community and follows the successful Center Stage panel discussion last May that focused on L.A.'s notable dance landscape and the inaugural event in September 2017 discussing women leaders and the arts in L.A. Morning refreshment sponsor, Porta Via, is an official Wallis Restaurant Partner.

Complimentary general admission tickets are now available for reservation by visiting TheWallis.org/CenterStage, by emailing Tickets@TheWallis.org, calling 310.746.4000, stopping by in person at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Services located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, or joining the Facebook events at: https://www.facebook.com/events/378248929356365/