Arts Education Cuts at New York City Public Schools: A Tale of Two Worlds

The Daily News released an article today on cuts to the arts starting to appear in the New York City Public Schools.

Note the title: City Schools are Seeing Arts Programs Erased Amid Budget Cuts

For those of you who don't know this school district, basically, the principals call the shots. If they want to gut an entire arts program, they have the power, as the have been "empowered," with no practical supervision.

School budget cuts are wiping out entire departments, with art classes and programs for at-risk students disappearing fastest, the Daily News has learned.

Intermediate School 218 in East New York, Brooklyn, is losing one third of its teachers, which will mean axing its music, art and computer programs, teachers said.

"From top to bottom, the school is going to be gutted," said Chris Schilling, the school's computer teacher and basketball coach whose position has been cut, he said.

"There's no paper, no ink in the printers - we can't even make copies," he said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2009 N-88, 2008-09

CHANCELLOR KLEIN ANNOUNCES START OF P.S. ART 2009

Student Artwork on Display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Now through August 2

Exhibition generously supported by Bank of America and Studio in a School New York City

Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein today announced the start of P.S. Art 2009, an exhibition of artwork by New York City public school students. Now in its seventh year, and the second year of its installation at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, P.S. Art celebrates the visual arts and showcases the tremendous talent of public school students from across the City. Bank of America has generously underwritten the exhibit with a grant to The Fund for Public Schools, and Studio in a School has graciously supported the production of the exhibit. This year's exhibition includes 58 paintings, prints, sculptures, collages, and drawings created by students ages four through 19. The exhibit will be on display now through August 2, in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 "P.S. Art is a wonderful way for the public to get a glimpse into the outstanding arts education that's happening in our classrooms," Chancellor Klein said. "We are committed to providing every student with an outstanding arts education, and this exhibition showcases the creative and artistic talents of our students. I want to thank The Metropolitan Museum of Art for hosting this inspiring exhibition and Bank of America and Studio in a School for once again supporting this display of student work."

"Art can open doors and create connections for our incredibly diverse public school population," said Caroline Kennedy, Vice-Chair of The Fund for Public Schools. "In a city where more than 150 languages are spoken in the homes of our students, art is a universal language, giving all children an avenue for expression. I would like to congratulate the students whose fine artwork is on display and thank The Metropolitan Museum of Art for making this opportunity possible."

"Today, we are celebrating the work of some of New York City's most extraordinary young artists, displayed on the walls of one of the finest arts institutions in the world," said Kate Levin, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs. "This project is the result of intense collaboration among cultural organizations, teachers, and parents, who are working together to unlock the creative potential of our students, day-in and day-out, in schools and cultural venues across the five boroughs."

 "Bank of America believes encouraging arts education in the public schools is critical to the development of our country's future leaders," said Rena DeSisto, Global Arts and Culture Executive for Bank of America. "Our support of P.S. Art is a natural extension of our company's partnership (More) with The Fund for Public Schools and complements our ongoing support of major New York cultural institutions, including the host of this amazing exhibit, The Metropolitan Museum of Art."

"I congratulate the young artists whose work is displayed in P.S. Art 2009," said Tom Cahill, Studio in a School President and CEO. "Your work is being shared with visitors from around the world, and reminds us of the early beginnings of the great artists whose work is on view at The Met."

Visual art teachers across the City submitted more than 1,000 pieces of student artwork to be considered for the exhibition. Art educators and administrators narrowed the selection to 450 works to be judged by a jury of acclaimed artists, educators and distinguished members of the New York City arts community. The jury selected the 58 works to be included in P.S. Art 2009. These works highlight outstanding artwork from New York City's public school students and the best practices of their teachers as they relate to the Department of Education's Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts, a curriculum guide which provides educators with a standards-based, rigorous approach to teaching the arts.

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Contact: David Cantor / Ann Forte (212) 374-5141