Partners for Arts Education Connects Schools, Arts Organizations, and Funders

Written October 1, 2008

For nearly eight years, Syracuse Stage, Symphony Orchestra, The Everson Museum, The Community Art Center, Light Work and many other other organizations have received through Partner for Arts Education, a non-profit organization that matches funders with arts programs in need.

During a meeting in 1999, Laura Reeder, founder of Partners for Arts Education, noticed serious communication issues between arts organizations, Syracuse schools, and funders who were eager to donate money to arts education.

"I saw a major funder trying to bring arts education dollars to Syracuse and I didn't see anyone wanting to take their money," Reeder said. 

Reeder, with the guidance and support of a few friends, worked out the foundational elements for her organization, PAE.  Sh discovered a way to get money into the hands of Syracuse schools and cultural organizations.  PAE creates opportunities for schools and arts organizations to work together and how to utilize their funding to develop their arts programs.

"Our local arts and culture organizations have never wanted to stop being relevant to the schools," Reeder said.  "But it's an ongoing struggle to chase bureaucracy in education becaause they change it every year.  We're just trying to make it easier."

Arts Education Inspires Bond's Career

Written September 24, 2008

One can assume that those who are heavily involved with the arts were influence by arts education at some point during their lives.  Tim Bond, Syracuse Stage's new producing artistic director, is an example of the impact arts can have on a person's life.  Bond was exposed to several different art forms as a child, he said.

Encouraged by his parents, Bond submerged himself in the arts while attending Howard University.  HE was directing professionally by the time he was 19-years-old.

"Somewhere along the way, I realized that it wasn't just something to do for fun," Bond said, "and that this could be my life's work."

Today Bond continues his career as producing artistic director for both Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University's Drama Department.  He served as artistic director for 11 years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and held the same position during part of his 13 years career at the Seattle Group Theater.

At Syracuse Stage this fall, he directed "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" which opened the Stage's season.

Bond, who has won national awards for his work, has been making a successful living in the arts for over 20 years.  He said anyone can have a wonderful career  in the arts, but the key is to "decide to live simply, and living fully and deeply" is enough.

Are Wilson's Plays Over Produced?

Written Sept. 17, 2008

August Wilson is known for his 10 play cycle, which chronicles African America life in America throughout the 20th century with each play set in a different decade.  

Syracuse stage has produced three of Wilson's plays with in the last six years.  "Jitney" in the fall of 2000, "Gem of the Ocean" in fall 2006 and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"  which opens this fall.

The question this presents is why are Wilson's plays produced so often. The "Wilson is the only talented playwright that focuses on African-American issues" syndrome not only effects Syracuse Stage but theaters throughout the United states including repertory and high schools alike.

Kyle Bass, Syracuse University theater professor and playwright, teaches playwriting at Goddard College in a low residency program as well.  This New York Foundation for the Arts award recipient has won awards for is plays that feature African American stories.

Although Bass celebrates Wilson's work, he said he believes the creation and production of more plays that encompass the minority experience are essential to the world of theater.

Hopefully, Wilson's plays, as great as they may be, will stop hogging the spotlight from new playwrights and allow them to come through the door he has opened.