In response to the need for arts instruction in our public schools, the University of California’s Irvine campus developed the first ArtsBridge program 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.

“We are trying to develop critical thinkers, effective communicators, technologically-literate workers and responsible citizens. Artsbridge contributes to the achievement of these goals.”
Phyllis Hayashibara, Teacher,
Venice High School, Venice, CA

College of Fine Arts
4505 Maryland Parkway
Box 455013
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154-5013
(702)895-4210
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