New Jersey Governor's Awards in Arts Education Recognize Development of Creativity as Important Goal

TRENTON, N.J., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When asked what quality is most valued in 21st century management hires, CEOs of top companies most often mentioned "creativity" as their top choice. "We don't teach arts in public schools to train artists – studying the arts develops life skills that will have increasing value in our globalized world," said Bob Morrison, governance chair of the New Jersey Arts Education Partnership.

There is a growing body of evidence to back up that claim. Playing in a musical ensemble, for example, develops teamwork and cooperation while helping students see the value of setting performance goals. Studying visual arts helps students communicate their ideas more clearly.

Eighty-one high school students and 18 education leaders were honored at the 31st Annual Governor's Awards in Arts Education on May 5, 2011, at the State Museum Auditorium in Trenton, New Jersey.

The event celebrated awareness and appreciation of arts education and recognized the creativity, talent and leadership of the award winners. The award ceremony featured remarks by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.

National and statewide organizations selected the students for their exemplary work in creative writing, speech, dance, music, theatre and visual arts. Education and arts professionals were chosen for their exceptional commitment and contribution to arts education.

"I am honored to recognize these outstanding students and educators for their excellence in arts and arts education on this 31st anniversary of the Governor's Awards in Arts Education," stated Governor Chris Christie.

The Governor's Awards in Arts Education celebration is a joint project between the New Jersey Arts Education Partnership, the New Jersey State Department of Education, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts -- a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and ArtPride NJ. Additional support is provided by: Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics; Art Educators of New Jersey; Art Administrators of New Jersey; Dance New Jersey; New Jersey Council of Teachers of English; New Jersey Forensic League; New Jersey Music Educators Association; New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey; Quadrant Arts Education Research; Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey; Very Special Arts of New Jersey; and Young Audiences/New Jersey.

A list of award winners is available at: http://www.artsednj.org/2011_GAAE_Recipients.pdf

SOURCE New Jersey Arts Education Partnership