In response to the need for arts instruction in our public schools, and to provide university students an opportunity to share the arts with their community, Jill Beck, Dean of the UC Irvine School of the Arts, founded ArtsBridge at the University of California, Irvine in 1996. In 1997, California’s Department of Education called for an educational renaissance to revive artistic achievement in our schools.

The following year, the California state legislature perceived the strength of the ArtsBridge model and the potential of the 8 UC campuses to contribute to this desired renaissance in arts education. Funding was allocated to develop the program across the state. In the academic year 1999-2000, UC ArtsBridge provided high quality arts education to 23,922 public school children in 267 schools across the state of California.

In 2001, ArtsBridge was recognized with a substantial grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), to fund dissemination of the program to universities outside California. As of 2004, ArtsBridge America was at work in 10 states. In 2004, the ArtsBridge America national office moved to Lawrence University. There are currently ArtsBridge programs at 22 universities in 13 states and Northern Ireland.

In fall 2004, Lawrence University became the first private university to adopt the ArtsBridge model. Under the direction of Jasmine Yep, ArtsBridge served over 300 students in seven K-12 schools in the program’s first year. In 2005-06, Lawrence ArtsBridge scholars brought the arts to nearly 500 K-12 pupils in 14 schools in Appleton, Menasha and Neenah.

"The enthusiasm the young scholars bring is most refreshing. Having my students work with ArtsBridge scholars who are so close to their age is a terrific opportunity to observe these people as role models."
Michael Pekarske, Teacher, Renaissance School for the Arts, Appleton, Wisconsin

Lawrence University
P.O Box 599
Appleton, WI 54912
(920) 832-6523
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