/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts has received a grant of $275,000 from MetLife Foundation to continue the MetLife Foundation Partners in Arts Education Program. The national initiative, now in its sixth year, aims to improve teaching and learning in the arts by supporting and promoting sustainable partnerships between community arts education organizations and public schools. Objectives include the distribution of grants of up to $20,000 to support arts education partnerships during the 2010-2011 school year and the production of the Partners in Excellence: Arts Education Partnerships Institute in conjunction with the Guild's annual Conference for Community Arts Education (Nov. 3-6, 2010 in San Francisco).

MetLife Foundation Partners in Arts Education Grants are designed to support exemplary partnerships which

• demonstrate best practices in creating and sustaining effective collaborations;


• serve large numbers of public school students;


• provide sound arts education experiences;


• prioritize student learning and achievement; and


• address national, state, and/or local arts education standards.

During the current school year, more than 11,500 students in eight cities are receiving year-long arts instruction thanks to 14 partnerships funded by the Partners in Arts Education Program.

National Guild Executive Director Jonathan Herman said: "Over the past two decades, the National Guild has researched and identified best practices for high quality arts education partnerships that have powerful long-term effects on students, faculty, institutions, and communities. The continuance of the MetLife Foundation Partners in Arts Education Program promotes and supports these practices, thereby increasing access to quality arts education for public school children across America."

"MetLife Foundation is proud to renew its partnership with the National Guild to make quality arts education accessible for children across the country," stated Dennis White, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation. "We believe that the arts play a vital role in promoting learning, understanding of the world and its diverse cultures, and enriching communities. Guild members are doing outstanding work in arts education and strengthening the entire field."

Application guidelines and program details are available on the National Guild's website. Grants are restricted to the 33 cities listed in the guidelines. The application deadline is 5:00pm EDT on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts supports and advances access to lifelong learning opportunities in the arts. The Guild's 400+ member institutions include community schools of the arts; arts and cultural centers; and arts education divisions of performing arts institutions, universities, museums, and other organizations. In concert with this dynamic network, the Guild researches and promotes best practices, provides opportunities for professional development and dialogue, advocates for broad access, and makes grants to the field. www.nationalguild.org

MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to continue the company's long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation supports programs that improve education, promote health, encourage parental involvement and family engagement, help revitalize neighborhoods and stress accessibility and inclusion. The Foundation contributes to arts and cultural organizations across the United States, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for young people, reaching broad audiences through inclusive programming, and making arts more accessible for all people. For more information about the Foundation, please visit its web site at www.metlife.org.

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.

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