Texas Cultural Trust Announces Third Annual Digital Pioneers Institute

Completion of the Digital Pioneers Institute program counts for up to 14 CPE/GT credits and provides educators with an experiential study of modern, post-modern, and contemporary fine arts and design while diving into the online platform. The Arts & Digital Literacy (ADL) curriculum was developed in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts to integrate technology into the creative classroom, giving students all the benefits of an arts-rich education, while preparing them for the modern workplace.

“Our research undeniably illustrates how students who are exposed to fine arts receive a more holistic schooling experience and are half as likely to drop out,” said Heidi Marquez Smith, executive director of the Texas Cultural Trust. “The educators who attend the Digital Pioneers Institute are taking valuable skills back to their districts to keep students engaged and curious ADL integrates current technology to demonstrate how digital media can reinvent art as we know it, which is especially relevant to students in grades 9 through 12.”

The Trust supports educators in implementing ADL curriculum in schools by sponsoring Classroom Technology Grants for teachers who are interested in furthering their professional development through attending the Digital Pioneers Institute. The Classroom Technology Grants are awarded annually to certified fine arts teachers to help purchase technology or assist with expenses associated with training for and implementing ADL curricula. Since 2015, the Texas Cultural Trust has awarded more than $85,000 through grants to over 20 certified fine arts teachers. ADL courses are being taught to over 5,000 students in 217 classrooms in 116 schools across the state.

The two-day event will also feature an opening reception with speakers including John Green-Otero of the Creative Learning Initiative in Austin ISD and special guests including Dr. Brent Hasty of MINDPOP. Tickets are $60 for museum members and $80 for non-members and include museum gallery time. For more information and to register, visit www.txculturaltrust.org/arts-education.