National Overture in Michigan
April 2003
To demonstrate how the performing and visual arts can be used as effective tools to teach core academic subjects, the Institute for Education and the Arts convened a week-long series of seminars, demonstrations, symposia, panels and performances in cooperation with K-12 schools, arts and civic groups, business and public officials, April 6-13, 2003, in the Grand Traverse Region of Michigan.

In a program titled The National Overture of Education and the Arts, the Institute brought together experts from over twenty nationally recognized cultural and arts organizations to work with school teachers, administrators, public officials, civic leaders, museum and library directors, performing arts presenters and parents intensely interested in improving their children’s academic performance.

The program schedule identifies the impressive array of participating organizations and sessions presented.

The three main goals were:

1) to demonstrate the value and feasibility of using the arts as teaching tools for academic subjects for all students;

2) to introduce to local schools and other organizations the vast array of expertise and resources available from national and regional institutions; and

3) to initiate and encourage sustainable new relationships, both between national organizations and local schools, and among local education, arts and civic organizations.

The response to this event was extraordinary; local teachers, administrators, civic and business leaders are highly enthusiastic about the possibilities for further partnering with the national presenters and for increased local collaboration. Follow-up steps are already underway with participating schools.

The following links provide more information about the National Overture in Michigan:

Schedule

Schedule of Activities (PDF)

Best Practices

Best Practices in Arts Education: Roundtable Transcript (PDF)

Press and Media

Press Release issued by the Traverse Area Arts Council