BCRAC Recent Awards
Background on the Bradford County Regional Arts Council:
Mission Statement: The Bradford County Regional Arts Council (BCRAC), established in 1976, is a regional non-profit organization whose mission is “To promote arts and culture in our region.”
In 1988, the BCRAC hired Brooks Eldredge-Martin as its first employee and Executive Director. In the period 1988 to 1995, the BCRAC purchased, renovated and began operating the only three historic theatres remaining in Bradford County.
As a result of a 1996 long-range plan the BCRAC expanded its arts and cultural mission by becoming a Partner with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for re-granting and implementation of arts in education programs serving the Northern Tier Counties of Wyoming, Tioga, Sullivan, Lycoming, Columbia, Montour and Bradford. Our audience is 95% rural and frequently underserved.
In 1997, responding to brain research and realizing the importance of early childhood education, the BCRAC began to focus on arts programs which benefited this age group. The BCRAC formed the Learning Early Network, which was selected as a “Best Practice in the Arts in Pennsylvania” in 1999. The Learning Early Network typically uses artists and the arts to pursue its mission, which is “To work with parents, educational agencies and the community to improve the early learning opportunities for young children (0-8).
Recent Awards:
- 2004 – As a result of a survey by the Arts Council England, the Learning Early Network and its Learning Communication Skills Through the Arts artist residency program were selected as an international model for early arts programming. The honor was presented at the NEW WORLDS CONFERENCE in Leeds, England in November, 2004
- 2006 – BCRAC became the first rural organization to ever receive a Governor’s Award for the Arts in the 25 years of the awards. Our award was for Leadership and Service in Arts in Education.
- 2007 – On June 3, 2007 the BCRAC became the first-ever recipient of the Americans for the Arts “Arts in Education Award” at the national convention in Las Vegas. (Bronze trophy by Gilad Ben-Artzi)
- 2007 – BCRAC was selected from 360 nominations from 46 states as a semi-finalist for a Presidential “Coming Up Taller Award.” Thanks to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for nominating us.
Did you know:
- Between 2005 and 2008 the BCRAC will have provided EVERY Head Start Center in 8 counties with 16 visits from professional artists. Teachers have received professional development to continue quality arts activities. Mansfield University is doing the evaluation. BCRAC raised all funds required from outside sources.
- The BCRAC Theatres, led by the Sayre Theatre, have raised over $100,000 for Tsunami, Katrina, breast cancer and other victims or people in need.
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