Lied Center's education programs nationally recognized in publication

LAWRENCE -- The Lied Center of Kansas at the University of Kansas is featured in "Acts of Achievement: The Role of Performing Art Centers in Education," which provides the first study of K-12 education programs offered by performing arts centers nationwide. The 168-page publication -- released in October by Dana Press, the publishing division of the Dana Foundation -- also showcases 74 performing-art center institutions partnering with their local schools.

"This recognition helps to provide our community with a better understanding of what it is that we do," said Tim Van Leer, Lied Center executive director. "It also provides recognition for the university, just as a professor is recognized for various awards. This gives us the potential to raise more funds for educational activities."

The Lied Center was recognized for the K-12 Adventures in Imagination program and the Partners in Education program and for hosting preperformance lectures and postperformance discussions.

The Adventures in Imagination program, formed as a business/education partnership between U.S. Bank, Lawrence Public Schools and the Lied Center, focuses on increasing literacy and creative expression activities. The program includes school performances and workshops, which are accompanied by student study guides and teacher lesson plans that support classroom curricula.

"The program provides a variety of different experiences related to various courses for schoolchildren in the community," said Ann Bruemmer, director of arts and humanities for the Lawrence School District. "This type of program only works in certain communities, and Lawrence is very supportive."

An advisory committee reviewed more than 130 submissions to the Association of Performing Arts Presenters and selected the profiles and case studies for the publication.

Performing-arts centers across the country are expanding their missions to provide arts education for nearby schools at the request of their communities. The Lied Center and Lawrence Public Schools are founding members of the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. The partnership works to incorporate the arts into schools and includes educator workshops.