US House Resolution Designates Now thru 3/31 as 'National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week'

Congresswoman Slaughter has introduced a Resolution to the House of Representatives designating this week, March 24-31, 2013 as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week. This week will honor the contributions Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) has made to schools nationwide through its arts-in-education programs and to encourage Americans to recognize the important contribution the arts make to society.

The House resolution, introduced by Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY 25th District) co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, states "arts education, comprising a rich array of disciplines... is a core academic subject and an essential element of a complete and balanced education for all students". The House resolution also emphasizes that "arts education enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills... which supports academic success nationwide as well as personal growth outside the classroom."

In tandem with the house resolution, Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) has issued a Senate proclamation that announces his support for Young Audiences' programs: "Young Audiences [has] successfully translate[d] its mission into effective programming for the five million children participating in its invaluable arts-in-education programs." The Senator also noted that "with over 4,600 professional teaching artists Young Audiences provides the highest standards in arts-in-education programs across the country."

National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week ?by Young Audiences affiliates with special events, school activities, long-term will be observed across the country ??residencies and performances to promote awareness for YA's arts-in-education programs. It is estimated that more than 30,000 students will be participating in a Young Audiences Arts for Learning program during this week. Highlights include smArt Start workshops in the Smoke Rise Elementary School in Atlanta that focus on teaching early literacy skills to kindergarteners; YA New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania's Beyond Recycling , a long-term residency program that teaches students how to live more sustainably; and a workshop where participants will use geometry to create a large-scale mural at a local school in Wichita, Kansas.

Founded in 1952, Young Audiences Arts for Learning is the nation's leading source of arts-in-education services. YA's mission is to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. Our network of 30 affiliates with 5,000 teaching artists reached five million children in over 8,000 schools and community centers with 88,000 programs, such as arts-integrated workshops and residencies and professional learning opportunities for educators and artists.

For detailed information, go to www.youngaudiences.org.