Ocracoke Alive, the folks behind the Ocrafolk Festival, is not allowing state cutbacks in education funding to deprive the Island’s students of an art education. Take a look at their ambitious plan and get involved!
Ocracoke Alive asks supporters to give the gift of ART to Island students this holiday season
Recent recent cutbacks in state funding for public education have led to the elimination of the arts education program at Ocracoke School.
In an effort to continue arts programming for Ocracoke School students, local non-profit Ocracoke Alive will be working with the school to provide weekly classes, beginning in January of 2015 for grades pre-K through 8th.
“We believe that in our quickly changing society, creativity and out-of–the box thinking are some of the most critical survival tools a youngster can possess. A fully-balanced, creative individual can bring a fresh perspective to whatever field and path they may choose in life,” said Ocracoke Alive president, David Tweedie.
Ocracoke Alive will be contracting with up to two artists per week from the Ocracoke community and from off the island, beginning January 27 and finishing June 4th. Estimated cost of the program is $8000 for one semester.
“The principal of Ocracoke School, Walt Padgett, and the Hyde County Superintendent, Dr. Latimore have been very supportive of this new collaboration,” said David. “We appreciate their recognition of the importance of the arts in our community. At the same time, Ocracoke Alive wishes to make it clear that they see that it is the responsibility of the state of North Carolina to provide this valuable curriculum as part of a standard education for all levels of North Carolina’s students.”
Ocracoke Alive is welcoming financial contributions towards costs of the program. “It is a wonderful way for supporters of the Ocracoke community to give the gift of the arts to the young people of our island,” said David. This can be easily done by mailing a tax-deductible contribution to Ocracoke Alive, PO Box 604, Ocracoke, NC 27960, or online at Ocracoke Alive www.ocracokealive.org.
For more information contact David Tweedie at info@ocracokealive.org or call 252-921-0260.
