The arts are a powerful means of expression – an integral part of a child’s education and a way to engage the creative potential of adults. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) Arts in Education (AIE) Division recognizes the power of the arts, and is committed to nurturing it in schools and community settings.

The mission of the PCA is to foster the excellence, diversity and vitality of the arts in Pennsylvania and to broaden the availability and appreciation of those arts throughout the state. AIE provides funding for arts-in-education residencies, maintains the Pennsylvania Directory of Artists in Education, and offers professional development opportunities for artists and educators.

The program works with and through a network of AIE Partners comprised of local and regional arts organizations to support quality arts education programs. Funded activities take the form of artist residencies in schools and community settings.

The Artistic Director of the Balafon West African Dance Company, Kadiatou Conte-Forte has been given the Teacher Artist Partnership (TAP) Grant by the Pennsylvania Council on the arts!

Kadiatou's Artistic Statement:

I believe that dance makes one stronger physically and mentally, and is a source of healing and balance in one's life. Music and dance can bridge the gap between races and bring everyone together, enjoying themselves and learning about a different culture. I have spent my life teaching Guinean dance and costuming to people of all ages. Also, I am a professional performer myself, a former member of both Las Ballet Africans and Ballets National Djoliba of Guinea. I still perform constantly. A residency in a Guinean dance and costuming can connect easily across curriculum: social studies, world culture/history, physical education, language arts/literature, home economics, and mathematics. I enjoy working with teachers to create units on West African dance, dress, language, literature and food

For more information on the Grant and the Program Please click the link below: