Discussion to Focus on Digital Media in Arts Education and to Address Classroom Needs
Arlington, VA – April 27, 2011 – PBS is ensuring the arts remain vital in America’s classrooms by bringing together key leaders in the arts, education, media production and technology for a one-day Media, Technology and Arts Education Idea Lab.
Held at PBS headquarters in Arlington, Va., on April 28, the event is focused on new models for using digital media arts in schools. Attendees will explore ways PBS can contribute to arts education through the integration of PBS’ award-winning arts programming, digital content and tools into existing curricula, as well as exchange ideas about the development of digital arts education resources to accompany on-air arts programming planned during the 2011-2012 school year.
“Creativity and the arts are a fundamental part of a complete education,” said Rob Lippincott, Senior Vice President, PBS Education. “Through this idea lab, we’re asking leaders in the arts, education, media production and technology to share their expertise and inform PBS’ future plans and strategies for arts education.”
Colleen Macklin serves as keynote speaker for the event. Ms. Macklin is Director of PETLab (Prototyping Evaluation, Teaching and Learning lab) at Parsons the New School for Design. Also planning to attend are representatives from:
- The education community, including Fairfax County and Prince George’s County public schools, and Folger Shakespeare Library;
- Youth organizations, including the Afterschool Alliance, City at Peace and DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation;
- Foundations, commissions and trusts dedicated to the arts, including Arts Education Partnership, DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Texas Cultural Trust; and
- PBS series GREAT PERFORMANCES, as well as producers from upcoming PBS shows related to the arts.
About PBS
PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches 124 million people through television and 20 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
Contact:
Jake Landis PBS 703-739-5362 jwlandis@pbs.org
Kristen Plemon C. Blohm & Associates, Inc. 608-839-9800 kristen@cblohm.com
