The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE) is looking for future filmmakers, media moguls or roving TV reporters to enter a student video contest highlighting the importance of arts education in Missouri schools. The MAAE is dedicated to showing why it is important to have fine arts instruction in every school, for every child, every day. We draw attention to the creative skills the arts develop in students of all ages and backgrounds. Through this contest, students join in the Alliance's advocacy mission and display, through video, why the arts are a vital part of education at every level.

Students in grades 3-12 are invited to participate in the MAAE Fine Arts Education Day Essay Contest. A student may choose one of the following topics for the essay:

• How has music, visual art, dance (if it is offered in your school as a class) or drama (theatre) influenced you or your life as a student?

• Why is it important for every school to provide instruction in the arts to every child every day?

This award recognizes schools that have done an outstanding job of making the arts essential to the education of their students. The awards provide an important opportunity to honor schools and the role they play in providing a creative learning environment for outstanding student achievement.

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education recognizes a fine arts educator for creativity and innovation in teaching a visual or performing arts class. Students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members may nominate a teacher for this award. Recipients are typically honored at the annual MAAE Fine Arts Education Day at the State Capitol.

This award recognizes a community member who is not a staff member at a school who has supported an arts education program in a special and meaningful way. The candidate can be nominated by students, teachers, administrators, or other community members. A nomination letter no longer than 500 words should describe the person’s actions and attributes that have contributed to that arts program success. Please send the email no later than January 31^st to director@moaae.org.

MAAE has developed an awards program to recognize an outstanding school administrator who shows tremendous support for fine arts education and fine arts educators. Send an e-mail to director@moaae.org telling us why your nominee deserves this award. The deadline for nominations is January 31st.

MAAE and partner organization the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) School District of Distinction in Arts Education award is presented to a Missouri school board that has demonstrated support for and commitment to high-quality arts education. Nominee districts include high-quality fine arts education in their district programming in music, dance, theatre and visual arts. The winning school district, collaboratively chosen by the MAAE and MSBA, receives a plaque for display in the district.

MAAE recognizes the contributions of both elected and appointed governmental advocates for the arts. Nominees are to have demonstrated consistent and committed support for arts education in Missouri. The winners will be nominated by the MAAE Board, however, suggestions for potential winners are always welcome. The winner will be recognized at Fine Arts Education Day in March. To suggest a nominee, email director@moaae.org.