New Arts Education Programs To Build More Opportunity For Students

    TORONTO, May 5 /CNW/ - Students will have more opportunities to explore

their creative potential through a new program that will bring more arts

education into classrooms and communities across Ontario, Premier Dalton

McGuinty announced today.

    "We want to make sure that Ontario students seize every opportunity to

reach their goals," said Premier McGuinty. "That's why we're investing in the

arts for young people - we know that if kids explore their creative potential,

there is no limit to the success they can achieve for themselves and our

province."

    The $4-million Arts Education Partnership will match money raised by arts

organizations from private sector donors. The Partnership will fund projects

that promote and improve arts education in schools and communities. This could

include music, dance, drama, visual and language arts. The Ontario Arts

Foundation, in cooperation with the Ontario Arts Council, will oversee the new

program.

    The Partnership builds on previous initiatives to promote the arts in

schools. For example, the Ministries of Culture and Education have provided a

total of $6 million for Learning Through the Arts. That program, run by the

Royal Conservatory of Music, trains teachers to deliver core curriculum

subjects using an interactive, arts-based approach.

    Education Minister Sandra Pupatello and Minister of Culture Caroline Di

Cocco joined the Premier for today's announcement at Palmerston Avenue Public

School.

    "We're on the side of Ontario families who want the best public education

for their children," said Pupatello. "That's why we're giving schools and

community organizations extra support for arts education, which motivates

students to achieve academic success, improves their tolerance and respect for

diversity, and helps reduce drop-out rates."

    "Arts education builds self confidence, promotes problem-solving skills

and contributes to creative citizens for a creative economy," said Di Cocco.

"This unprecedented investment gives all students across Ontario - especially

youth at risk - the opportunity to experience a full range of learning that

includes music, art and drama."

    Investing in arts education is just one of the ways the McGuinty

government is building opportunity for young people across Ontario. Other

initiatives include:

    -  Investing $25 million in arts education over the past two years

    -  Committing up to $146 million annually to hire a total of 2,000

       additional specialist teachers over the next four years

    -  Creating 75,000 more opportunities in postsecondary education for

       qualified students

    -  Doubling student aid so families can afford higher education.

    "We're committed to creating more opportunity for young people across our

province," said Premier McGuinty. "Just as parents want the best for their

kids, we want what's best for Ontario students, and we will continue working

to help them succeed."