Columbia Festival of the Arts Partners with HCPSS to Broaden Participation in the Arts and Performance Opportunities for Students

June 15th, 2016

In a new partnership, Columbia Festival of the Arts (CFA) will collaborate with the Howard County Public School System to broaden participation and appreciation of the arts through CFA programs. The partnership was formalized with an official signing on Thursday, June 16 at the Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road in Ellicott City.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, CFA will collaborate with HCPSS Fine Arts staff to create opportunities for student performance groups to participate in CFA programs, and develop workshops and special performance opportunities for students at CFA Festivals. CFA will serve as a professional resource for HCPSS arts programs and will provide students with tickets to performances through the Arts Access program. HCPSS staff will identify opportunities for students, staff and families to attend CFA performances, participate in arts events and attend workshops. Aligned with Vision 2018, this partnership provides opportunities for students to build competencies in the arts and enhances organizational practices.

Howard County Board of Education Vice Chairman Ellen Flynn Giles, HCPSS Superintendent Renee A. Foose and Coordinator of Fine Arts Gino Molfino joined Columbia Festival of the Arts Board President Ron Nicodemus, Executive Director Todd Olson and Marketing and Communications Director Robert Neal Marshall to sign the formal partnership agreement at the June 16 event.

Founded in 1987, Columbia Festival of the Arts is Howard County’s largest ongoing arts event. Columbia Festival of the Arts “Arts For Every Season” presents four weekend-long arts festivals throughout the year, featuring world-class performances, exhibitions, concerts, music, theatre, family activities, master classes, workshops and community dialogues.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office unites businesses and community organizations with schools to enhance the educational experience. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.