The Bushnell Receives Connecticut Quality Improvement Award
Contact: Shawna Browne (860) 987-6096; e-mail: shawna_browne@bushnell.org
HARTFORD, Conn., June 7, 2002 - The Bushnell recently received the Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) 2002 Gold Innovation Prize for its nationally recognized arts-in-education program.
The Bushnell's PARTNERS (Partners in Arts and Education Revitalizing Schools) program won for its unique approach to learning - arts organizations, educators and businesses joined together to better schools, to give students quality learning experiences, and to build bridges between schools and the larger community.
Since 1987, CQIA has presented the state's annual quality awards recognizing Connecticut organizations that excel in managing quality improvements for business success and growth.
The not-for-profit CQIA Partnership is a growing group of active educators, health care executives and government officials concerned with improving economic vitality in Connecticut. Three levels of CQIA awards - the Innovation Prize, the Breakthrough Quality Award and the Leadership Award - prepare organizations to become the first winner from Connecticut of the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, the nation's premier award for performance excellence and quality achievement.
Named after a former Secretary of Commerce, the Baldridge Award was established by Congress in 1987 to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. businesses by promoting quality awareness, recognizing the quality and performance achievements of U.S. organizations, and publicizing successful performance strategies.
PARTNERS is an innovative approach that uses the arts to teach literacy skills to elementary school children through specially designed curriculum featuring artists in the classroom and the community.
David Fay, Executive Director and CEO of The Bushnell stated, "The Bushnell's core mission is built on bringing the arts, education and community together. The PARTNERS program in particular reflects our commitment to community building and education."
In 1996, the GE Fund and GE Industrial Systems presented The Bushnell with the opportunity to expand PARTNERS from a pilot to a district-wide program in the Plainville Community Schools, where it continues to serve students at each elementary, middle and high school in the town.
"The Bushnell's PARTNERS program is inspirational to all involved," said Anne Witkavitch, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs at GE Industrial Systems in Plainville. "It is truly a community-wide effort that not only heightens the learning experience for students, but touches the lives of the parents, teachers, sponsors and volunteers who believe in the magic of the arts and the difference it makes. GE is proud to sponsor this magical and very special program."
Based on the program development in Plainville, The Bushnell has additionally expanded PARTNERS activities to 14 Greater Hartford districts and 32 schools serving over 6,000 children. The 2001-2002 school year will also mark the expansion of PARTNERS into the Torrington school district, supported by a major grant from the John G. Martin Foundation. The results of this community partnership are that more children are engaged in active learning, their literacy skills are improving, their knowledge of cultural diversity is increasing and their exposure to the arts is enhanced.
About The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts The Bushnell is Connecticut's premier performing arts center, hosting more than 450 events yearly, including major Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations, local arts and community events. In November 2001, The Bushnell completed a $45 million expansion project that added a second, 907-seat theater to the existing historic structure. The new, state-of-the-art performance hall allows for expanded arts, entertainment and community offerings. The Bushnell opened in January 1930 and is a non-profit organization. For more information, call The Bushnell at (860) 987-6000, Box Office at (860) 987-5900 or visit www.bushnell.org.