$38 million private fundraising campaign to allow full implementation of first-ever CPS Arts Education Plan through 2017-2018 school year.
Private funds supplement work of CPS certified arts instructors with expanded and updated arts curriculum, professional development, essential materials and supplies for teachers/students, grants to schools for greater access to Chicago cultural institutions/programs, data collection and accountability for progress and new assessment systems to track student learning.
The arts education program is run by CPS; Creative Schools Fund is administered by nonprofit CPS arts education partner, Ingenuity, which also evaluates program to ensure it reaches target audience and meets goals.
Be Creative: The Campaign for Creative Schools chaired by civic leaders Nancy and Steve Crown, Richard and Susan Kiphart and Ned Jannotta. Honorary co-chairs: Mayor Rahm Emanuel; renowned soprano Renee Fleming, Creative Consultant, Lyric Opera; Theaster Gates, Director of Arts and Public Life at University of Chicago; cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; David Vitale, President, Chicago Board of Education; Damian Woetzel, Director, Aspen Institute Arts Program, former principal dancer, New York City Ballet. Campaign fundraising underwritten by Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust and The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust.
Expanded arts education was #1 priority of the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan, reflecting community input at 35 town halls throughout the city conducted by Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
As a result of Arts Education Plan, the arts are now a core subject in CPS schools – like math, science and social studies. Elementary schools are required to offer at least two hours of arts instruction per week.
