The Arts Council has announced a new project intended to strengthen the youth arts education network in Long Beach and make many new programs available to every student in the city. The Arts Council is currently compiling a comprehensive directory of all the arts and culture education programs in Long Beach. Not only will this guide have a limited print-run, which will be distributed to local PTAs, schools, and other educational organizations, but it will be put online for the very first time. The online format will allow organizations to provide much more information about their programs than in past directories and make it a more interactive resource. The directory will be available on the Arts Council website in August 2009.
Arts Council Executive Director Craig Watson said of the project, “It is our hope that this directory will give youth, parents and schools in Long Beach an easy way to connect with the rich resources available in Long Beach for arts experiences.”
The directory will also provide arts organizations the chance to broaden their audience base by attracting young people to their art programs through varied and enriching cultural activities, classes and performances. The goal of this project is to highlight both new and emerging organizations and more established programs throughout the community. The directory will include a wide variety of programs ranging from West African storytellers, to Aztec dance groups, to programs established in concert halls.
To make this project a success, they need the support and cooperation of the Long Beach community. If you know of an organization that should be included or would like to submit information regarding your own program, please contact Cailee Mellen at (562) 570-3844 or [email protected].