Connect with AEC

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artlook SWPA Arts Partner Fair

While swpa.artlookmap.com is full of arts partners offering professional and student learning opportunities for our region, sometimes it’s nice to meet up in person. Arts partner and school representatives are invited to come together on Thursday, February 27th from 2:30-4:30pm for an afternoon of connection and collaboration.

Learn more and RSVP on AEC Networks! Click on this invite link and you’re on your way! Once you are logged in, select the events tab, and RSVP on the 2/27 event page. Already using AEC Networks? Click on this event page link directly.


Program Design Workshop 

Arts partners, this workshop is for you! Join Yael on Friday, April 25th from 2:30-4pm for an interactive workshop focused on approaches to designing impactful school programs. Topics will include school culture, backwards design, National Core Arts Standards, arts integration, and more.

We are capping registration at 15 people, so grab your seat today! This no cost workshop is open to artlook SWPA arts partners with up-to-date profiles. We appreciate your participation!

Learn more and RSVP on AEC Networks! Click on this invite link and you’re on your way! Once you are logged in, select the events tab, and RSVP on the 4/25 event page. Already using AEC Networks? Click on this event page link directly.


Customized professional learning support

How can AEC support you this year? We have expertise in the national core arts standards, curriculum writing, arts integration, SEL, culturally responsive practices, program evaluation and more. Book a 15-minute conversation with Yael to get started!


Check out artlook® SWPA to find new arts partnerships this school year

artlook® SWPA is a free online hub created to help educators in our region immerse young people in powerful, personally relevant arts learning opportunities. Go to swpa.artlookmap.com today to start your customized search for regional arts partners!

Are you a teacher looking for a field trip? Check out this 1 min video to get started!

Are you a principal looking for PD? Check out this 1 min video to get started!

Employment

Education and Museum Manager | Neighborhood North Museum of Play

NN is looking to support a key staffposition: An Education and Museum Manager position to oversee the strategic planning for programming and floor operations effectiveness, efficiency and success in delivering quality visitor experiences, including family and group visits such as field-trips.


Maker Space Coordinator | Neighborhood North Museum of Play

The Makerspace Coordinator reports directly to the Education and Museum Manager and is responsible for working with the Education Team to grow this important museum program. The Coordinator works with the Education Manager to plan, implement, promote and evaluate arts and makerspace programs for patrons of all ages.


Executive director | Attack Theatre

Attack Theatre is entering a new phase of growth and leadership, guided by a commitment to artistic excellence and long-term sustainability as it searches for a visionary and highly operational Executive Director that will report to the board of directors.


Various arts teaching positions | Propel Charter Schools

See various open positions, including music, art, and phys. ed. teachers, and site based creative arts classroom advisors.


Part-time Assemble Teacher | Assemble

Assemble needs a part-time Assemble Teacher. If you need assistance to fully participate in the application or the interview process, or have questions, reach out to nina@assemblepgh.org.

Professional Learning and Networking

Streamlining Operations: Building Capacity for Growth | National Guild for Community Arts Education

March 5, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST via Zoom

Operational efficiency is key to nonprofit sustainability, but getting there is an ongoing process. This session explores how ASAP helps organizations streamline processes, optimize resources, and build capacity to grow. By investing in scalable systems, nonprofits can tackle immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for long-term success.

Facilitators: 

Erika Atkins, Executive Director, Bloomingdale School of Music, New York, NY

Susanna Kemp, Director, Client Success, ASAP, Washington, DC


Strengthening Our Roots | Pennsylvania Music Education Association

April 9-12, 2025, Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, the Poconos

In 2025, PMEA returns to Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains for the Annual Spring Conference. Come, and engage with all attendees through sessions, performances, and social opportunities that bring us together “Strengthening our Roots.” Through this experience, we can reach out to our branches of music education with new exciting ideas.


Narratives Conference | Pennsylvania Art Education Association

October 10-11, 2025, Sheraton at Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA 

Please consider submitting a proposal to this year’s conference! Applications are due June 13, 2025.

In 2025, PMEA returns to Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains for the Annual Spring Conference. Come, and engage with all attendees through sessions, performances, and social opportunities that bring us together “Strengthening our Roots.” Through this experience, we can reach out to our branches of music education with new exciting ideas.

Funding

Closeup of someone's hands as they film a jazz ensemble on a smartphone.

The New York Life Foundation

The New York Life Foundation has recently announced the Aim High Grant Program, designed to prepare middle school students for the transition to high school settings by supporting community-based out-of-school (OST) programs. The Aim High Grant Program can be awarded for a one-year program or two-year program, both starting in August 2025. Those who are interested can apply for funding by March 7, 2025 at 5 pm.

Remake Learning Moonshot Grants

The 2025 Moonshot Grant opportunity opens February 28th, 2025. Since 2021, Remake Learning has catalyzed more than 50 Moonshot ideas, totaling more than $3.5 million invested in bold ideas that have the potential to shape the future of teaching and learning in the greater Pittsburgh region of southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. What’s your Arts Ed Moonshot idea?


Duolingo

Duolingo is now accepting applications for 2025 sponsorships. They prioritize programs benefiting the East Liberty community and surrounding neighborhoods. However, initiatives outside this area will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with a preference for satellite programming within this community.


The Grable Foundation

The Grable Foundation endeavors to improve the lives of children and youth in the greater Pittsburgh region, with attention to kids whose opportunities are limited due to economic circumstances. Applications are welcome every four months.


Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant opportunities

The PCA supports a range of arts and cultural activities and organizations via a number of programs and opportunities.


National Endowment for the Arts grants

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is proud to support the nation’s arts sector with grant opportunities so that together we can help everyone live more artful lives.


Guide to Using Title IV Funding to Support Arts Ed, PMEA

With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), new funding opportunities are available that could directly benefit music education. One of those is in Title IV of the law and known as Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAEG). ESSA eliminated what we knew as “core” academic subjects and created what we now know as “well-rounded” subject areas. Music has, for the first time, been called out in federal law as a well-rounded subject. The SSAEG grants are designed to be used to ensure a well-rounded education and that means music is a part of it.

Advocacy

Yael stands in front of two flags next to Senator Casey's name plate outside his office in D.C.

Allegheny County Legislative Forum on Education | Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Thursday, March 27th @ 7pm

A panel of Allegheny County state legislators, moderated by former KDKA-TV reporter Jon Delano will discuss issues affecting public education in Allegheny County and Pennsylvania, with questions submitted by an audience of educators, administrators, parents and other stakeholders


Participate in National Arts Ed Survey | National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)

Survey deadline: May 16, 2025

The National Coalition for Arts Standards (NCAS) — an alliance of national organizations that includes AEC’s national partner Young Audiences Arts for Learning — announced that it will launch a thorough survey to collect data on the National Standards for dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts. All arts educators, thought partners, arts and education organizations, and stakeholders are asked to provide critical feedback to guide the review process.


Executive Order Tracker for Nonprofits | National Council of Nonprofits

After his January 20th inauguration, President Trump signed dozens of Executive Orders (EOs) covering a broad range of issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; government grants and contracts; civic engagement; immigration; and certain nonprofit subsectors. Some of the EOs won’t take effect immediately, and many are expected to be immediately challenged in court. This chart outlines some of the EOs that may affect nonprofits directly or indirectly.


Executive Order Tracker for Education | Education Counsel

President Trump issued over two dozen Executive Orders (EOs) and related administrative actions during his first days in office – several of which have significant implications for early childhood, K-12, and higher education. This document provides a summary and brief analysis of the most relevant “Day One” EOs and related actions across the following topics: (1) equity and civil rights, (2) immigration, (3) repeal of actions undertaken during the prior Administration, and (4) management of the federal government and workforce.

EdCounsel plans to update this summary of EOs in the coming days and weeks and/or provide a broader tracker that includes EOs and all Administration actions in the priority areas summarized here and others relevant to education.


Arts Ed Advocacy Toolkit | Arts ARE Education

This toolkit includes current school year talking points, school board resolution language, a parent/caregiver letter template, and more!