PRIMARY COLLABORATORS

		Sharon Story Dean Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education in partnership with Synchronicity http://www.atlantaballet.com/centre

Founded in 1996, the Centre provides an opportunity for everyone in the community, no matter what their age or experience, to discover the joys of dance. The Centre instills confidence and self-awareness that will help anyone achieve their goals and dreams. Since its founding, the Centre has become one of the top ten dance education facilities in the country and continues to set a high standard for excellence. Accredited by the National Association Schools of Dance, the Centre has world-class faculty and a challenging and comprehensive curriculum designed to inspire future dancers. Students also receive the special benefit of being able to rehearse with and observe the professional company and learn the ins-and-outs of being a professional dancer. Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education is currently formulating plans to move its West Peachtree studios to a stunning new LEED-certified "green" facility on Marietta Boulevard in Midtown West. Along with our satellite studios in Buckhead and Cobb, Atlanta Ballet is dedicated to providing students state of the art facilities. Atlanta Ballet prides itself on its community involvement which is a top priority at Atlanta Ballet. The Centre has established numerous programs to promote dance education in schools throughout Georgia. Atlanta Ballet's outreach program, Centre Dance, makes a difference in the lives of the students, both academically and socially, in Atlanta schools. The Centre's Kids In Step and Get Up and Dance programs allow children who normally cannot attend arts events to enjoy the beauty and majesty of ballet. Atlanta Ballet is a magical experience. Every day, aspiring dancers take part in the Centre's programs, moving closer to achieving their dreams. Each and every studio, from morning to night, is filled with youthful exuberance and talent. Every day life-long friendships are formed. Words cannot describe the power of witnessing the future of dance firsthand.

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Janice Akers Lecturer, Department of Theatre Studies Emory University www.theater.emory.edu

The Department of Theater Studies requires academically rigorous study in a wide variety of sub-disciplines of theater; our teaching happens in classrooms, in tutorial conferences, in scenic and technical shops, in rehearsal halls, in unexpected hallway conversations, and in performances. The goal is that our students will be able to think, question, and create outside the box of “acting” or “design”—to re-imagine theater rather than simply to fit themselves into existing models.

ArtsNow recognizes the critical need for arts integration in the classroom.  This is my inspiration for being a part of this important organizaton. We have many students in our theater classes outside the field of theater.  I have seen first-hand how students in all areas of study - medicine, history, business and the sciences - respond to learning through arts-oriented exercises.  Arts-focused teaching emphasizes the human connection (teacher-student and student peer relationships) and develops confidence in each student on a daily basis.  The arts can transform the classroom into a vibrant atmosphere which celebrates self-expression, encourages independent and critical thinking and gives permission to explore, take risks and push boundaries.  This training can help teachers graduate students who are curious and engaged with life, deeply and holistically educated, and who ultimately feel a stronger connection to the community after having experienced an arts-focused, therefore, humanity-focused, education.  The work of ArtsNow is vital to our education community.
 
        — Janice Akers

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Katie Carlisle General Music Education Georgia State University, School of Music www.music.gsu.edu

The Georgia State University School of Music offers one of the most comprehensive music programs in the Southeast, including studies in performance, composition, music management, music education, recording/technology and jazz studies. The School annually presents over 250 recitals, music workshops and community music concerts including performances by guest artists, faculty and students at the Rialto Center for the Performing and the University Recital Hall.

Musical offerings range from jazz ensembles to string quartets – including performances by the University choruses and orchestras. The majority of concerts are FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call (404) 413-5900 or visit www.gsu.music.edu.

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Denise McFall Editorial Director, SCAD-Atlanta http://www.scad.edu/atlanta

In many ways, SCAD--The University for Creative Careers—has re-imagined the university experience for creatively talented students, molding our programs to their unique needs and learning styles. With 42 majors and 52 minors, SCAD students can customize their education to develop cross-disciplinary expertise. SCAD offers multiple locations that are distinct, yet complementary, learning environments. SCAD-Savannah, the flagship campus, is our largest and offers a full university experience. SCAD-Atlanta is set in the heart of the city’s arts district, an are teeming with artistic, cultural and business activity. SCAD-Lacoste, our study abroad campus, offers immersion in the rich culture of the South of France. And, SCAD-eLearning is everywhere, offering a SCAD education to a global online community. Because it is central to the university’s mission, SCAD is uniquely qualified to prepare talented students for professional, creative careers.

The Savannah College of Art and Design's involvement with ArtsNow significantly benefits the university, organization, schools and school systems throughout Atlanta and the state. Together, we have issued a clarion call for the integration of the arts across academic disciplines—a collaboration that will have a lasting and positive impact not only on students' academic performance, but also on their ability view the world through the lens of creative possibilities.
 
        — Denise McFall