LAKE ERIE COLLEGE AND THE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION ENTER A PARTNERSHIP TO ENHANCE ARTS EDUCATION
Lake Erie College and The Fine Arts Association have joined in partnership to increase engagement in arts education, expand opportunities for students to participate in music ensemble opportunities, bolster students in college readiness through the arts and strengthen each organization’s shared commitment to the community.
“Lake Erie College is delighted to partner with The Fine Arts Association as we build our music ensembles. This partnership enhances Lake Erie College and The Fine Arts Association's respective strong traditions of attracting academically and musically gifted students; The Fine Arts Association's reputation for exceptional educational opportunities for students to learn, create, and perform mirrors the College's mission to help students engage in self-discovery, develop strong personal attributes, learn creative problem-solving skills and balance their personal and professional goals with the needs of others. We also believe this partnership is the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate to draw in members of the greater Lake County community who desire to explore a range of music, performance and educational opportunities,” said Lake Erie College’s Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and Associate Professor of English, Jennifer Swartz-Levine, Ph.D.
Both organizations share a similar mission of providing opportunities to grow arts education along with the desire to strengthen pathways for K-16 students.
“The timing of the partnership is noteworthy. Due to Covid-19, resources for many organizations and businesses are dwindling while at the same time, the need for creative outlets has increased and means of artistic expression are more important than ever,” said Michael Lund Ziegler, Director of Education, The Fine Arts Association.
As part of the collaboration, Lund Ziegler will assume the role of Director of Instrumental Studies at Lake Erie College and lead the College’s Wind Ensemble and instrumental music activities beginning this August while working to establish long-term plans to grow the program.
According to Lake Erie College’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Bryan DePoy, the partnership will drive possible college readiness activities as well as strategic expansion of College Credit Plus (CCP) opportunities to help reduce the costs of a college education. DePoy also states that this partnership integrates perfectly with Lake Erie College’s aim to build mutually beneficial partnerships with key organizations within the community.
“We are building a stronger foundation for everything that we do at The Fine Arts Association, and this partnership aligns with our strategic planning process to expand our programming deeper within our community. I have confidence in Michael that he will not only contribute exceptional leadership in each role, but through the blending of roles, help us create synergies which will benefit students through greater access and quality of experience” said Paul Holm, Chief Executive Officer, The Fine Arts Association.
About Lake Erie College
Lake Erie College, founded in 1856, provides an excellent, inclusive, and highly personalized education grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Guided by hope and care, our students are empowered to lead lives of personal significance and professional success as global citizens. We offer 35 undergraduate majors and master’s programs in business administration, education and physician assistant studies. Our students compete in 19 NCAA Division II varsity sports and on three intercollegiate equestrian teams.
About The Fine Arts Association
The Fine Arts Association (FAA), founded in 1957 by Jim and Louise Savage, is a gathering place for individuals to learn, create, enjoy and appreciate the arts. From ballet and portrait painting classes to piano lessons and theatre classes, The Fine Arts Association educates thousands of students in the arts each year. In addition to instruction in these disciplines, FAA also presents a full season of live performances and concerts at reasonable prices.