ArtsEd Forever! is a year-round program that honors exemplary arts educators; recognizes outstanding contributions to arts education made by individuals, legislators, businesses and organizations; and showcases the artistic talent of youth throughout Broward County. Features of the program include: cash awards to school and community-based arts educators; cash contributions to schools’ arts programs; awards for exceptional and outstanding contributions to arts education; Arts Education Ambassadors; student exhibitions and performances; and the signature ArtsEd Forever! Event at Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

For 30 years, Broward Cultural Division, the School Board of Broward County, Florida, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and other generous private sector donors have called attention to the importance of arts education in Broward County schools. The Arts Educators of the Year Awards presents arts educators who demonstrate an on-going commitment to applying best practices in arts education in schools and communities.

There are two main categories of awards – Arts Teacher of the Year for school-based arts teachers in Broward County public, charter and private schools; and the Teaching Artist of the Year, for teaching artists who work in multiple learning environments.

ArtsEd Forever! Event

The ArtsEd Forever! Event is a night to herald the importance of arts education from schools and communities. It brings together practitioners, advocates, parents and families to strengthen connections between all who believe in the powerful effect of arts education on academic achievement and creativity, and its ability to inspire a desire for lifelong learning.

A dazzling, arts-filled array of activities are held this very special evening with a private reception for award nominees and sponsors, followed by a public reception for supporters, parents and families, culminating with a stage production that integrates performances by youth from Broward County schools and the awards are presented to the arts educators of the year, exceptional arts education organization, and outstanding contributions to arts education. It also serves as the kickoff for the one (1) year term of service of the Arts Education Ambassadors.

Arts Education Ambassadors

Recipients of the Arts Education of the Year Awards become Arts Education Ambassadors for a one (1) year term and serve as representatives and spokespeople for arts education in Broward County. The term begins with the ArtsEd Forever! Event and Broward Cultural Division coordinates engagements for the Ambassadors to participate in or present at meetings, conferences and workshops held throughout Broward County. Arts Education Ambassadors are also provided honorariums for engagements during their term of service.

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Arts Teachers of the Year

One (1) Arts Teacher of the Year Award is presented for each artistic discipline, (dance, music, theater and visual arts). Each recipient receives a $2,000 cash award and a $500 cash contribution to their arts program at their school.

• Application Available: Monday, August 17, 2015
• Application Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2016
• Finalists Announced: Week of February 8th, 2016
• Classroom Visits: February 15 - March 11, 2016

Eligibility

Teachers from public, charter and private schools, whose primary assignment is in an arts discipline, including dance, drama, music, visual arts, literary, and media arts (photography, film, and video); and who are certified in that arts discipline are eligible to apply. The application should be fully completed by the arts teacher, and the principal needs to write a letter nominating the selected teacher.
Applicants who are finalists will be required to be observed in the classroom by members of the selection panel between February and March 2016.
All finalists are required to attend the ArtsEd Forever! Event March 30, 2016 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

View Criteria & Guidelines
Start or Resume Application

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Teaching Artist of the Year

“A teaching artist is a practicing professional artist with the complementary skills and sensibilities of an educator, who engages people in learning experiences in, through, and about the arts.” Eric Booth. One (1) Teaching Artist of the Year Award is presented. The recipient receives a $2,000 cash award.

• Application Available: Monday, August 17, 2015
• Application Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2015, 11:59 pm
• Interviews: December, 2015- January, 2016

Eligibility

Teaching artists who are listed in Broward Cultural Division’s Arts Education Directory are eligible to apply.
Applicants who are finalists will be required to participate in a face-to-face interview with members of the selection panel between during December 2015.
All finalists are required to attend the ArtsEd Forever! Event March 30, 2016 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

View Criteria & Guidelines
Start or Resume Application

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Exceptional Arts Education Organization

This Award honors a Broward County organization that provides arts education programming as a core function. The recipient organization demonstrates a significant contribution to arts education in Broward County through one or more of the following ways: originality of contributions to arts education; efforts to further educate teachers, students and/or community; use of arts resources that extend into the community and state levels; demonstrates advocacy for arts education; and number of years of service to Broward County.

• Application Available: Monday, August 17, 2015
• Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2015, 11:59 pm
• Recipients Announced: February, 2016

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Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education

Volunteer hours, fundraising contributions and advocacy to advance arts education for all are just a few of the ways individuals, businesses, legislators and organizations enrich lives through learning in, and through the arts. ArtsEd Forever! brings County-wide awareness to these often unrecognized unsung heroes. The community is invited to nominate individuals, businesses, legislators and organizations that provide examples of the kind of giving that helps keep arts education for all alive.

• Application Available: Monday, August 17, 2015
• Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2015, 11:59 pm
• Recipients Announced: February, 2016

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