FIRST ANNUAL ARTS IN SCHOOLS REPORT RELEASED

The Annual Arts in Schools Report indicates some gains in restoring arts education in New York City public schools since it was nearly eliminated in the 1970s. It provides a comprehensive analysis of arts education citywide. The report released by the Department of Education reveals that 82 percent of public schools work with one or more cultural organizations to help offer arts programs and that the number of full-time certified arts teachers increased by nine percent between 2004 and 2007. For more information and to read the report, visit schools.nyc.gov.

ARTS AND CULTURAL EDUCATION SERVICES FAIR SCHEDULED

Approximately 500 New York City public school leaders and arts education liaisons are expected to participate in the 2008 Arts and Cultural Education Services Fair on March 24 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The fair will allow principals and cultural organizations to discuss arts programs for public schools. For more information, e-mail artsandspecialprojects@schools.nyc.gov.

NATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS CONVENTION SCHEDULED FOR JUNE

The National Performing Arts Convention will take place from June 10 to 14 in Denver. This is the first large-scale gathering of more than 20 national organizations and it is expected to attract nearly 5,000 people. Registration rates are discounted until March 31.

SMALL PRESS MONTH CELEBRATES 12TH YEAR

Events are scheduled throughout March to celebrate small publishers all over the country. Small Press Month, now in its 12th year, is a nationwide promotion that highlights the valuable work produced by independent publishers. On March 26, Selected Shorts at Symphony Space will present stories from the anthologies of The Pushcart Prize to celebrate Small Press Month. For more information, visit www.smallpressmonth.org.

PEOPLE

Joan K. Davidson was appointed the chair of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission. She has served as Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and as President of the J. M. Kaplan Fund.

Tara L. Sullivan was appointed executive director of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission. She previously served as regional representative for the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Stanford Makishi was appointed the executive director of the Baryshnikov Arts Center. He was previously the director of creative services at Carnegie Hall.

CALENDAR
DCA BUDGET HEARING

The City Council will be holding the FY 2009 Preliminary Budget Hearing on culture on March 24, 2008 from 10 to 11:30 am. The public can testify at 1 pm that day. Call (212) 788-9153 to be listed on the schedule.

ARTS ADVOCACY DAY SCHEDULED

Hundreds of cultural, civic and grassroots organizations will convene in Washington, D.C. at the Americans for the Arts' 21st annual Arts Advocacy Day on March 31 and April 1. Participants will explore effective methods of advocating for public funding for the arts.