History
ACE, Arts for a Complete Education, began in 1989 as a collaborative effort among the Florida Department of State/Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council, and the Florida Department of Education. The overarching goal is to support and promote arts education. With the support of the Pinellas County Arts Council, and later the Pinellas Cultural Foundation, the ACE Pinellas coalition grew to be a model for other coalitions in the state. In September 2015, ACE became a committee of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance.
The ACE committee brings together artists, cultural organization staff members, business professionals, parents, school district arts educators and other community members. Meeting monthly, it is not surprising that over 26 years, Pinellas county schools and the arts community have built a strong, successful partnership. ACE has been honored to present the work of this coalition at state and national conferences such as those presented by Americans for the Arts.
ACE’s mission is to promote arts education in Pinellas County Schools.
ACE goals include:
- Serve as an advocate for arts education for all students
- Monitor decision-making as it affects arts education
- Educate the community about arts education issues
- Develop and support collaborations among schools, artists, arts organizations and the community
The ACE – Pinellas County Schools’ partnership has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of students. Whether ACE is working with the school district to ensure that music and visual arts are taught in designated arts rooms, or working to ensure that school schedules allow all students access to the arts, ACE coalition members are seen as partners with the district.
Current Activities:
Annual Principal’s Appreciation Breakfast
Arts education is successful through the cooperation and collaboration of teachers, administrators, and especially the support of principals. This spring breakfast event celebrates that collaborative effort, with a program of student performances and noted speakers.
School Board Advocacy
Attendance and monitoring of all School Board meetings; meetings with newly elected school board members; annual meeting with area superintendents.
Legislative Advocacy
Meetings with current and newly elected legislative delegation members; attendance at School Board’s annual legislative delegation event.
Public Advocacy
Participation in Pinellas County Council of PTA’s Fall Workshop; distribution of ACE e-newsletters to principals & administrators; email recognition of National Arts Education Week; production & distribution of ACE brochure & advocacy reports.
