Author Description

The Arts Equation, Second Edition is the updated version of the widely read first edition, published in 1999. For anyone concerned about the value and the future of arts education, this book gives you a unique "how-to" resource combined with a passionate defense of the arts' value in our lives. Mr. Taylor's "equation" is the interaction between school systems with artists in theatre, dance, music, and opera. Addressing real life needs of both educational institutions and performing arts organizations, this book offers strategies for: Creating successful arts education programs despite budgetary and other limitations; Helping people from all walks of life become comfortable in the presence of the arts; Solving practical problems related to getting the most value from artistic activity. Most important, Mr. Taylor provides common sense advice on how to use the arts to address Common Core State Standards that have been adopted throughout the country. Inherent is his advice is that students must have the chance to create artistic works as part of their preparation to succeed in an increasingly conceptual, creative, and complex society and 21st century economy. The Arts Equation can be a valuable tool on methods through which this can be achieved. For the educator or university student, this book offers an inside view of how performing arts organizations function. For artists, Mr. Taylor guides them through the ins and outs of how a school system is structured and how they can contribute to its overall mission of preparing kids to become capable adults. Every school, every person responsible for introducing kids to the arts, every parent who wants to get involved, every arts institution that wants to provide effective programming for schools, every college student in an arts administration or arts education degree program, every artist who wishes to foster a love for the arts will find this guide timely, supportive, and invaluable.