ARTISTS-IN-SCHOOLS EXEMPLIFY SCHOOLPLUS

Released on October 3, 2003

Students in the Davidson and Melville school divisions will benefit from being the most recent of four sites in the Artists-in-Schools program. The program began with two pilot sites last year in the Shaunavon and Northern Lights school divisions through a partnership among Saskatchewan Learning, SaskCulture, and the Saskatchewan Arts Board.

Through the Artists-in-Schools program, a professional artist from the visual, performing, literary, or multidisciplinary arts is hired to be resident within a school for the school year. The artist spends half their time working with students and teachers and the other half on their own work.

"Artists-in-Schools exemplifies the SchoolPLUS vision by bringing teachers and students together with professional artists and cultural organizations. The important interactions that will result brings relevance to what is being taught in the classroom," Learning Minister Judy Junor said.

"The program's intention is to assist schools and communities in achieving the SchoolPLUS vision by connecting students and teachers with the province's exciting cultural and artistic environment. SchoolPLUS supports learning with tangible, relevant programs like Artists-in-Schools," Saskatoon Idylwyld MLA and Legislative Secretary for SchoolPLUS David Forbes said.

"Artists-in-Schools is a unique opportunity for Saskatchewan artists to share their experience with young people. These interactions will encourage interest and excitement in Saskatchewan's youth and lead to increased understanding and knowledge of the important contributions made by artists to the province's vibrant cultural fabric," Saskatchewan Arts Board Executive Director Jeremy Morgan said.

Artists-in-Schools is managed by the Saskatchewan Arts Board with curriculum support and workshops from Saskatchewan Learning. Each school division with an artist-in-residence receives funding and professional development support for the Artists-in-Schools program. This year, Saskatchewan Learning is matching funding provided by the Saskatchewan Arts Board and will contribute $70,000 to support hiring an artist-in-residence for the Davidson school division and for the Melville school division.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609