R. Reese Fuller

An artistic audit

by R. Reese Fuller

The Acadiana Arts Council has announced a one-of-a-kind project that will help improve arts education in Lafayette Parish's public schools and schools across the country. The Community Audit for Arts Education is a joint venture between the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' and its Partners-In-Education Team in Lafayette (comprised of the AAC, the Lafayette Parish School System and UL Lafayette).

The results of the audit will help Lafayette Parish meet the requirements of Louisiana Legislative Act 175 which will require the development and statewide implementation of a visual and performing arts curriculum in public schools beginning in 2010. Michael Kaiser, president of the Kennedy Center says, "For the first time anywhere, the Kennedy Center will partner with a local school system and local arts organizations to provide a comprehensive and sequential program of arts education. We see great promise for the model that will be developed in Lafayette to be used throughout Louisiana and across the United States."

The ACC is asking local residents to participate in the survey. Although the audit was created for residents of Lafayette Parish, anyone can participate by completing the online version or filling out a PDF of the survey.