FOR RELEASE     #08-281
November 13, 2008

WHITEHORSE – An enhanced Artist In The School program is providing Yukon students with greater opportunity to engage in the arts than ever before, announced Tourism and Culture Minister Elaine Taylor.

“The Yukon government is please to support this important program designed to bring artists and students together in the classroom,” Taylor said. “By increasing the availability of arts instruction in Yukon schools, students are presented with hands-on experiences that complement their academic studies, giving them the opportunity to grow in their creative endeavours.”

Enhancements to the Artist In The School program include more hours of instruction in the schools, opportunities for innovative projects and extended programs, a comprehensive resource guide book on art education programming and additional outreach to rural schools. The program also provides additional employment income to Yukon artists through an increased hourly wage.

“Teachers are responding with enthusiasm to the increased hours which allow more students to participate in the program,” Charlene Alexander of the Yukon Art Society said. “Schools are also taking advantage of the extended program and artist residency which allows a deeper, more meaningful engagement with the artists.”

The 2008/09 program identifies an increased allotment of 1260 hours for art instruction in Yukon schools. The program will also feature a website showcasing program information, artists and a special projects section that provides schools with a wide range of approaches and ideas for creating projects and partnerships.

The Artist In The School program was established in the early 1980s as a vehicle to bring community artists into the public education system. The program is funded by the department of Tourism and Culture through a contribution agreement with the Yukon Art Society, who is responsible for administering the program. In 2007/08 program funding was increased by $75,000 for a total of $100,000.

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