|
Focusing on how the arts can make a difference in our daily lives, the Tennessee Arts Commission has awarded grants to Tennessee organizations through a new pilot program that provides funding for Tennessee's disadvantaged youth. Funds for the program are made possible through improvement money the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) received from Congress for its "Challenge America Initiative." This initiative has spearheaded the NEA's new emphasis on funding programs that improve the lives of Americans through the cultivation and development of local Cultural and artistic resources. Each state arts agency received $40,000 of the NEA improvement money under a Partnership Agreement Grant. The Tennessee Arts Commission made the decision to direct the full $40.000 to fund projects that use the arts to reach "at-risk youth." The Commission views an "at-risk youth" as any child or youth that is at risk of delinquency and other problem behaviors. These problem behaviors could include substance abuse, teen pregnancy, crime, truancy, and dropouts. "The program was designed for projects that provide positive experiences and opportunities for children that do not normally have access to the arts due to economic or social constraints. These projects can literally change the lives of children. We know the arts can provide positive results by serving as a vehicle to reach young people, in both rural and urban communities that need special attention:" said Rich Boyd, executive director of the Tennessee Arts Commission- Grants awarded will cover every area of the state. Organizations receiving grants will serve students from primary and secondary grade levels. Of the six grants awarded. Disciplines will include dance, folk arts, music, poetry or creative writing, theater, visual arts and craft. Hayden Roberts, director of arts in education for the Commission, was impressed with the types of programs receiving funding. "Of the 18 applications submitted, we were really pleased with the projects that the organizations funded under this pilot program. The funds will be used to offer innovative and creative projects that will make a significant difference in the lives of many of our young people," says Roberts. "Across Tennessee there are thousands of kids and teenagers who desperately need more positive outlets to channel their creative energies. By setting aside funds for this special grant category, the Commission can begin to take more of a leadership role in youth outreach," says Roberts. Programs receiving grants include: Knox County Government District Public Defender's Office, Community Law Office Knoxville ($6,500)
The intended participants in this program include indigent youth involved in the juvenile justice system, their siblings, and children of indigent adult public defender clients. These youth are frequently unsupervised after school hours, a time when they are vulnerable to community violence and gang activity. Statistics indicate that a lack of appropriate leisure time increases the likelihood of criminal activities. The Community Law Office works closely with residents of impoverished communities, and is in the unique position of having already established a relationship with that population. In national studies, it has been proven that arts programs succeed in reaching these young people and help them stay in school- It has also been found that these programs decrease involvement in delinquent behavior, increase academic achievement and improve youth's attitudes about themselves and their future. Knox County's program introduces youth to positive means of self-expression, provides role models, allows youth to experience positive achievement and teaches self-discipline. These outcomes result in fewer court referrals, decreased anger outbursts, and enhancement of skills related to academic and vocational success.
|
One
of the truly unique programs receiving funding is the Communication
Through Art program
offered through the Public Defender's
Office in Knoxville. The
program is an innovative approach that allows at-risk youth (ages 11-19)
and their families to experience various art forms through workshops,
hands-on activities, artist lectures, and performances. The program
focuses on art as expression and as a medium to deal with important
issues of the day and related emotions.