Los Angeles, CA: Arts for LA released the results of its survey of candidates for Santa Monica-Malibu School District (SMMUSD) Board. The survey provides an opportunity for candidates to articulate their awareness and support of arts education. All eight candidates were invited to participate in the five question survey. Responses can be viewed on Arts for LA’s website (click here).

The objective of the survey is to inform candidates as well as local stake holders about the importance of arts education, its role in preparing students to participate in a 21^st century workforce, as well as local, county and state resources that are available to school districts throughout the region. Of the eight candidates invited to participate, six responded to the survey, which was sent via email. Arts for LA applauds those candidates who took the time to complete the survey and for sharing their responses with the public. The candidates running for election are:

Powered by over 100 arts organizations, Arts for LA (www.artsforla.org) is the regional advocacy organization working to foster a healthy environment in which arts and culture in our region may thrive and be accessible to all in Los Angeles. Arts for LA advocates for increased funding for artists and arts organizations, is developing infrastructure that will allow for a greater exchange of information and resources among arts and cultural communities, and shapes public perception about the arts through the media and informed discussion. The School Board Candidate Survey is one way in which these goals manifest.

Last year, Arts for LA, in partnership with Arts for All, launched the SMMUSD Arts Education Advocacy team to bring together, inform and inspire a dynamic group of community members to advocate for the implementation of the district's long-range arts education plan.

The development of the SMMUSD arts education plan began in 2003 when the district took an historic leadership role in recognizing the critical role arts education plays in raising the achievement of all students: SMMUSD was one of the first school districts to join Arts for All. 

 About Arts for All: Arts for All, established by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, is the dynamic, countywide collaboration working to create vibrant classrooms, schools, communities and economies through the restoration of all arts disciplines into the core curriculum for each of our 1.7 million public K-12 students.

In 2004, the Santa Monica-Malibu Board of Education passed its Visual and Performing Arts Education Policy.  The policy states, “a comprehensive arts education program should be an integral part of the core curriculum offered to all students in all grades.”  The 9-year Strategic Plan for implementation was approved by the Board soon after in early 2005.