* * * The Role of Artists, Specialists and Teachers In Arts Education * * *

We know how important art is in terms of contributing to learning and building national culture. Art can transform people, transform places. Art can inspire our countrymen towards a strong sense of national culture.

Unfortunately, our 'centers' for art in the country rarely reach our countrymen in the provinces. Art leaders in 'national shrines' and universities are reluctant and complacent with salaries that make them happy not to be 'starving artists' --- they have great minds, but have become technocrats happy with the status-quo.

But what about artists in the regions.... And much more, what about youth and adults who hunger to experience art to touch their life and their communities?

Let us briefly review the art scenario and programs that have been made over the last decade... and possibly, arrive at some recommendations.

Many art programs exist in every province that draw on artists to teach students. These programs exist both in and outside of the formal school structure. This situation gives rise to many questions and concerns. Some of these were expressed by participants as follows.

1. We need to explore, discuss and facilitate a better understanding of the role of the artist, the art specialist and the teacher in our school system.

2. Policies at the government and school board level and guidelines within teacher associations have not explored the full implications or possibilities of using artists in the schools. This situation often causes tension.

3. Inviting artists into the schools is not a fix for inadequate funding of arts education programs in the school system.

4. There are many issues to be addressed which include accreditation, salaries and legal aspects.

5. There is a need for a conceptual change in the way we view the artist, the art specialist and the teacher. We should celebrate the value and power of having all three.

6. The artist and teacher often have a similar role but they have different responsibilities and are accountable for different things.

7. Art teachers and generalist teachers do not have expertise in all areas of the arts. Experts in the field should be allowed to come in and teach.

8. The artist can be a role model for students. We must find ways of encouraging young artists to work with young people.

9. Arts specialists are a separate breed and their role is to make the connection between the student and the artist. They need to know how to teach and more specifically how to teach art. The arts specialist is well equipped to teach in and about the arts.

10. Art specialists exist at the secondary level but are rare at the elementary level.

11. Many great teachers were not certified teachers.

12. Organizing summer institutes for artists, art specialists and teachers would be beneficial.

13. There is a need for support services for artists who want to work within the school system. A mentor-ship program could be useful.

14. When teachers and artists work together, it is a “win-win” situation.

15. We need to focus on the role of the artist within the context of our programs and on the importance of building capacity within the arts community.

Bottom-line: There is so much to fix in Philippines with regards arts and artists. We cannot just sit down and brood over inspiration then let our art rot in dust. People can learn from arts. We cannot wait for art leaders in the "metro shrines" and "centers" to think for us while they service on a few. Many citizens, knowingly or unknowingly , are waiting to be blessed and touched by arts. Arts can touch people, build communities, and transform a way of life for communities. We cannot wait for art technocrats whose plans never arrive at the grassroots. Let's start the fire!