Learning Through the Arts joins Young Audiences network

Arkansas Learning Through the Arts leaders said they hope to grow the program across the state through a new partnership with Young Audiences Arts for Learning.

A resolution in the U.S. House recently designated April 9-22 as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week to honor the contributions Young Audiences has made to schools through arts-in-education programs. The program reaches more than 5 million students each year through 32 affiliates and more than 8,900 partnering institutions, which sponsor 80,000 performance demonstrations, workshops and teacher services provided by 4,500 teaching artists.

“We are thrilled to welcome ALTTA to the YA network,” said David A. Dik, national executive director of Young Audiences. “Each new affiliate brings a passionate staff and board that will strengthen the YA network.”

Arkansas Learning Through The Arts joined the Young Audiences Arts network because of the similarity of mission and purpose, as well as the possibility of working with others around the country who are implementing arts- and curriculum-based education programs at all academic levels. The local program was the brainchild of Hot Springs Village resident Matha Smith with inspiration from the Young Audiences in Dallas, which is now known as Big Thought.

The Dallas affiliate began 30 years ago with six artist groups creating workshops integrating student learning. Teachers embraced the program after they witnessed its positive impact on student participation.

“Today, the organization places artist programs everywhere children and their families go, from after-school programs in community centers and churches to public libraries,” Smither said. “Their impact on Dallas area children has been significant. My hope is that we can re-create the same in Arkansas.”

Arkansas Learning Through The Arts was formed in March 2012 to encourage students to learn by integrating the arts into the educational experience. The group’s programs, custom-tailored to school curricula, are meant to make connections between three usually disparate groups — certified art teachers, certified non-arts teachers and professional artists — to bring the arts into classrooms as part of an integrated learning experience.

Professional teaching artists from all over Arkansas conduct two or three hour workshops — in conjunction with lesson plans — in which they talk about their art, perform and engage students in creating stories through various art forms. The program now has the support of a national organization.

“Becoming part of the Young Audiences Arts for Learning network will give us access to resources that we can use to serve students in Arkansas schools,” said Craig Welle, ALTTA executive director.”

Programs have been implemented in Garland and Saline counties. Smither said she hopes the new affiliation, along with increased awareness of the organization, will help spread the program statewide.