2005 Conference
Growing Californias Media Economy: Celebrating Youth Arts, Education and Career Building
MARCH 10, 11, 12, 2005
RED LION HOTEL, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
Hosted By:
The California Digital Arts Partnership Council – A Program of The California Arts Council
and Tower Of Youth [www.towerofyouth.org]
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Entertainment media & digital technology leaders
Pioneering secondary/post secondary educators & curriculum specialists
Cutting-edge community youth media training program coordinators
Dedicated youth producers of digital/media artistry
Media arts & technology focused, state and local policy and lawmakers
OBJECTIVES:
Interact with the most dedicated & inspired peers in California & North America
Establish educator & youth media arts guilds
Develop regional, statewide & national digital arts projects & Partnerships to implement Digital Arts Studio Partnership Act in California
Exchange best practices/ideas for program success, sustainability & breakthrough quality
Help craft media arts curriculum standards and frameworks across grade levels Work with industry partners for support with tools, mentors, internships, and jobs!
Complete clearly defined Action Plans 2005!
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT NOW :
Californias turbulent economy, globalization, and the states digital media industrys wild economic roller coaster ride has weakened our historic leadership to retain and grow our unique, world class, entertainment and digital media arts industry work force. Current academic requirements for youth ages 13-21 often trivialize mastery of creative digital and media arts expression in our schools. Budget shortages, technical challenges, minimal teacher training, lack of academic standards and testing, force this centurys essential literacy area into the most marginal parts of the instructional day or after school settings. Few schools are able to provide essential resources or real equipment access opportunities. Many pioneering teachers have created cutting edge teaching models to hold the line with little or no administrative and resource support. All this must be challenged and transformed.
An organized, broad based leadership must be forged to implement wide change.
Sustainable digital arts literacy programs must be a priority in schools and in the community.
The digital industries must be full partners with schools, teachers and students.
THE VISION:
With the passage and signing of the Digital Arts Studio Partnership Demonstration Act, as State Government Code Chapter 980, in 2003 California has taken leadership in a policy commitment to promote and model
a powerful relationship to advance teen youth digital and media artistry
seek solid coordination with the entertainment arts and high technology manufacturing industries,
expand Californias creative workforce based economy, media arts literacy and ultimately our most meaningful and diverse cultural and community life. Youth skill building is the tap root for this economic and community growth. This demands system wide policy and resource investment nurture career and educational needs for youth that combine:
human history and cultural values,
story telling and writing arts,
essential sciences and quantitative competencies
the extensive craft and business aspects of digital design and media production,
audio/visual technology based mastery,
marketing and message distribution;
teaching and curriculum design, and
research and evaluation.
Our future must be based on responsible, respectful, caring, meaningful connections and partnerships.
THE INVITATIONAL CONFERENCE FEATURES:
Day #1 – March 10
Pre-conference registration & orientation will be followed by an overview of our 2005 legislative agenda. Preparation for visits to the State Capitol to meet with lawmakers until lunch
*Program & vendor exhibit tables and time will be included for all
After Keynote Industry Lunch, we devote 3 consecutive sessions each, to 5 parallel “Affinity” groups: 30/90min. sessions
1. Youth Power: Discovery, Organization/Influence, and Action Plan
2. Teacher Power: Program Content & Confidence, Teaching Media Arts- Scope and Quality, Professional Organization, Now!
3. Best Practice Partnership Models: Awareness – Connecting, Breakthrough Project Ideas
4. Standards & Curriculum: The Big Picture, Approval, Quality Applications
5. Industry & Technology: Entertainment Industry Report, Economic Incentive, Science versus Aesthetics, and Market & Workforce Partnerships
**IMAX theater Showcase: “Youth Media Voice” for Law Makers Thursday night
*Participants are invited to bring their best bulk materials, programs, and experiences to share and show during the conference
**Youth are asked to bring best media examples on DVD format, to exhibit during the conference and at the IMAX theatre
Day #2 – March 11
Plenary Introduction & Partnership Power Building Overview followed by a Legislative Action Planning session , then return to a 5 Affinity Group session
This will be followed by a 2 hour Mixed Group OPEN SPACE issues session to identify and address the most challenging issues proposed from the body, then…
We regroup in “Geographic Regions” to formalize partnership relations, projects, & 12 month action plans
Industry Keynote Dinner followed by free evening
Day #3 March 12
2 Round Robin Bilateral Exchange sessions, joining specific Affinity Groups and Regional Partnerships, will share and synthesize their respective agendas
Leadership Elections will be held for Affinity Groups, Regional Partnerships and Statewide Policy and Advisory bodies followed by an Industry Luncheon
Final Plenary Session to consolidate work and calendar
Joint Statewide and Regional Selected Leadership Meeting
Click here for the complete Conference Schedule including links to detailed session information.