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UPDATE: March 18 We've posted a copy of Notice of Requests for Proposals for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Enhanced Arts Learning Grants Program memo written by Dr. Patti Harrington and Margarat Hunt. Download and read the PDF here.

UPDATE: March 5 SB2 was passed! Thank you to everyone who helped support and pass this bill. We are excited to know that many Utah kids can look forward to a better education going forward. Thank you!

UPDATE: March 4 HB 363 has been rolled into SB2—This is the omnibus legislation package for all one-time education funding programs. Almost $16 million has been allocated to the program, to be distributed over the course of four years. (This is the largest recipient of one-time funds for this fiscal year). Most of the language regarding our program is similar to HB 363. There is a provision towards the end of the bill regarding the non-lapsing nature of the funds.

UPDATE: February 12 A substitute bill (HB363 1st Sub.) was proposed today by the original sponsor of the bill, Representative Hughes. Please download and read the proposed bill titled Beverley Taylor Sorenson Elementary Arts Learning Program by clicking this link. (PDF).

UPDATE: February 8 This morning the fiscal note showing the monetary impact of the bill was published. You can view a copy of the fiscal note by clicking this link (PDF).

UPDATE: February 1 The Arts Enhanced Learning Program (HB363) was read before the House today for the first time. This means the bill has officially been introduced to our lawmakers.

UPDATE: January 31 The bill is open and has been numbered for introduction to the legislature. Officially named "Arts Enhanced Learning Program" House Bill 363 is now in for fiscal analysis. You can keep up-to-date by watching this page, or by signing up for email alerts at the Utah Legislator website: http://le.utah.gov/

UPDATE: January 29 The Jackson Elementary School violinists who performed for the legislature did a wonderful job! Thank you for showing your support of better arts education for Utah's kids. Here is a small set of photos showcasing the event. After the students performed, they each chose a lawmaker and took time to teach them how to play the violin.

Jackson Elementary School Violinists

Art Education for Utah Kids

art works for kids! has collaborated with the Utah Arts Council and the Utah State Board of Education to encourage the state legislature to allocate public funds toward increasing arts education in public schools. We have already secured legislative supporters, and are now moving forward with the legislative process. Stay tuned for updates and more information about how you can help.

background The concept for this public funding effort, which is called Art Education for Utah Kids, was developed in collaboration with the Utah Arts Council, the Utah State Office of Education, and art works for kids!. In spring 2007, collaborators conducted site visits across the state for legislators so they could experience the benefits of quality arts education first hand. In the fall of 2007, this concept was taken to legislative leadership, where after several positive meetings with house and senate leadership, Senator Curtis Bramble in the senate, and Representative Greg Hughes in the house, took up the cause and became our legislative champions.