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Report of Regents Cultural Education Committee to The Board of Regents

Your Committee on Cultural Education Committee had its scheduled meeting on October 17, 2016. Regent Roger Tilles, Chair of the Cultural Education Committee, submitted the following written report. 

In attendance were committee members: Regent Tilles, Chair, Regent Cea, Regent Cottrell, Regent Chin, Regent Ouderkirk and Regent Johnson. In addition to CE Committee Members, in attendance were: Chancellor Rosa, Vice Chancellor Brown, Regents Tallon, Cashin, Collins, Norwood, Reyes and Mead as well as Commissioner Elia and Executive Deputy Commissioner Berlin.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Chair’s Remarks: Regent Tilles opened the meeting and welcomed everyone at 9:15. He highlighted a number of activities, including the Annual Archives Award luncheon, which will happen at 12:30 this afternoon, the meeting of arts educators which will also occur today at 12:30 and the four remaining Uncommon Approaches to Cultural Education workshops that are happening across the state, in partnership with the Museum Association of New York.

State Museum Update 

Mark Schaming, Director, New York State Museum presented a report to the committee regarding upcoming museum exhibitions and recent acquisitions.  He described the soon to open Plaza Art Collection exhibit which is being organized with the Office of General Services.  He also remarked that the Museum’s exhibition on the Erie Canal will open on September 16, 2017.

New York State History Month

Devin Lander, State Historian opened his presentation speaking about the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law, Section 57.03, that designates November as New York State History Month - a month-long celebration of state history and the contributions of state and local government historians. The law authorizes the Education Department to undertake projects to recognize the month.  In addition, Mr. Lander provided background about the role of the State Historian and reviewed the web site that the Office of State History has developed to share information with a statewide audience of historians and those interested in history.

Legislative and Budget Priorities

The Committee briefly reviewed two budget priorities for the Office of Cultural Education, an increase in aid for library construction and a new appropriation of funding to support a statewide e-book platform.  The committee also reviewed the Museum Education Act, which will improve the connections between Museums and schools through grants and other activities.  Regent Tilles remarked that the bill had a large number of sponsors.

Associated Agenda Item

Meeting Date: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 9:10am

Committee