The entire Central Coast of California is rich in the arts and often serves as a haven or refuge for Bay Area and Southern California artists. Tourists and locals alike enjoy this beautiful part of California, located three hours between these northern and southern metropolises. Our county stretches 70 miles along the 101 along the Pacific coast and inland through desert and mountains to Kern County. It encompasses 3,616 square miles and has a population of just over 284,000. Agriculture, tourism, construction and design, knowledge and innovation, advanced manufacturing, health services and energy are some of our key economic drivers. What do all of these economic drivers have in common? “Arts-based leadership.” According to the Oxford Academic Community Development Journal, The arts are often viewed as peripheral to the community development process and play a minor role in the revitalization of areas. Despite increasing globalization, communities are beginning to recognize their own identity, culture, traditional art forms and the value of collaboration at the local level. Examples of local art can be found throughout San Luis Obispo County, often created by youth in collaboration with local community groups, nonprofit organizations, schools and professional artists.
Academics and business leaders know that arts-based instruction is an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Several community and arts organizations with a focus on the arts are strengthening arts partnerships for the pre-service and pre-education of local students. Wine County Theatre, a local non-profit theater company, is dedicated to building a community of artists and audiences. Wine Country Theatre’s mission to build community through practice, participation, and pre-service education is one of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education’s arts partnerships.
Local arts organizations continue to partner with the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education to support arts education. Our partnerships provide students with opportunities to experience and participate in arts with local artists. Wine County Theatre’s August production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” will premiere at the Park Ballroom in downtown Paso Robles. The musical features a cast and crew of nearly 50, including 25 students working with community and professional artists. For more information, visit WineCountryTheatre.org.
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According to the most recent Arts and Economic Prosperity Survey, San Luis Obispo County’s arts and arts-related activities enrich our local economy by over $30 million in funding and spending. The arts are one of the most popular career and technical education (CTE) pathways chosen by San Luis Obispo County students. The most recent Central Coast Economic Forecast notes the positive impact of the arts on our local economy. Our county is thriving in cultural and artistic vibrancy thanks to the dedicated people who make the Central Coast their home. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience reports that scientists, humanities scholars, and art lovers value art for its social significance, communicative power, ability to increase self-awareness, ability to challenge biases, and the beauty of art. We invite all interested arts organizations to partner with our local schools to build our community. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent, and I hope this article sparks a discussion about the power of involvement in arts education as a volunteer, sponsor, or participant.
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