LEC, FAA partner in arts education, support

The opportunities for students will be available as early as August

Lake Erie College and The Fine Arts Associated teamed up to increase engagement in arts education.

Lake Erie College and The Fine Arts Association have recently teamed up in efforts to increase engagement in arts education.

According to both institutions, the partnership aims to expand opportunities for students to participate in music ensemble opportunities, bolster students in college readiness through the arts and strengthen each organization’s shared commitment to the community.

The conception of the collaboration began through a conversation between Fine Arts CEO Paul Holm and faculty member Bryan DePoy, who also serves as senior vice president for academic affairs and institutional effectiveness at Lake Erie College.

“This partnership enhances Lake Erie College and The Fine Arts Association’s respective strong traditions of attracting academically and musically gifted students,” said Lake Erie College professor Jennifer Swartz-Levine.

“The Fine Arts Association’s reputation for exceptional educational opportunities for students to learn, create, and perform mirrors the Lake Erie’s mission to help students engage in self-discovery, develop strong personal attributes, learn creative problem-solving skills and balance their personal and professional goals with the needs of others,” she added.

“We also believe this partnership is the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate to draw in members of the greater Lake County community who desire to explore a range of music, performance and educational opportunities.”

According to a news release, both organizations also share a similar mission of providing opportunities to grow arts education along with the desire to strengthen pathways for K-16 students.

Michael Lund Ziegler, director of education at Fine Arts, emphasized the timing of the partnership as particularly noteworthy.

“Due to COVID-19, resources for many organizations and businesses are dwindling while at the same time, the need for creative outlets has increased and means of artistic expression are more important than ever,” he said.

As part of the collaboration, Ziegler will assume the role of director of instrumental studies at Lake Erie College and lead the school’s wind ensemble and instrumental music activities beginning in August, while working to establish longterm plans to grow the program.

DePoy believes the arrangement will drive possible college-readiness activities as well as strategic expansion of College Credit Plus opportunities, reducing the cost of a college education.

“This integrates perfectly with Lake Erie College’s aim to build mutually beneficial partnerships with key organizations within the community,” he said.

Holm added that the joint effort builds a stronger foundation for everything The Fine Arts Association does.

“It aligns with our strategic planning process to expand our programming deeper within our community,” he said. “I have confidence in Michael that he will not only contribute exceptional leadership in each role, but through the blending of roles, help us create synergies which will benefit students through greater access and quality of experience.”