Engaging the African American community of Pine Bluff in the arts is the focus of a joint project between the Clinton School and the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
Clinton School students Andy Lewis of Maitland, Fla., Dixon McReynolds of Cleveland, Ohio, Heidi Justice of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tabitha Lee of Dermott will work alongside the Arts & Science Center to increase the community’s awareness of and involvement in the center.
With changes to Pine Bluff’s economy and population over the past decade, the Arts & Science Center recognizes a need to reach all members of the city’s diverse population. The Clinton School students will conduct a series of surveys and focus groups to determine how to encourage participation in the center by Pine Bluff residents.
With the results of the study, the Arts & Science Center hopes to provide relevant and meaningful classes, programs and exhibits that meet the cultural and educational interests of the unique community.
“We anticipate the needs assessment conducted by the Clinton School of Public Service to not only help engage diverse populations in our program, but to ultimately strengthen our community as we identify how we can better meet their needs, desires and expectations,” said Janelle Powell, director of the Arts & Science Center. “This will have a huge impact on our strategic planning for both the short and long-term.”
The center also aims to increase participation by school-age children. According to a 1999 study conducted by The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, participation in the arts can make a significant impact on students from low-income communities. Students who participate in the arts outperform their peers on virtually every measure, according to the study.
The project is one of eight group projects students are completing this year in the Clinton School’s Practicum program, one of three for-credit public service projects in the Master of Public Service degree program.