BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Arts in Education Institute of WNY announced receipt of a $60,000 New York State Legislative Initiative Grant, secured by NYS Sen. William Stachowski, as it opens its new office at Medaille College on Tuesday, August 18, 2009.

Arts in Education has moved its headquarters to 121 Humboldt Avenue on Medaille College’s Buffalo Campus. This sharing of space represents part of a new partnership between the Institute and Medaille that will extend to the students served by Arts in Education and Medaille College students across several academic programs at the graduate and undergraduate level.

“The Arts in Education Institute of Western New York is a great program that avails itself to both public and private school children from all over the region. The inclusion of art, in all of its forms, is a necessary educational component of a child's development. I'm happy to play a small part in providing necessary funding for the continued success of this program and the tremendous work Executive Director Jackie Albarella and her staff do on a daily basis,” says Senator William Stachowski.

“Senator Stachowski has been a long-time supporter of the Institute, and understands the value of integrating the arts into learning,” says Jackie Albarella, executive director of the Arts in Education Institute. “Our mission to use hands-on and active arts experiences to enhance learning is a key in helping students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. By connecting the arts to the curriculum, we provide unique learning experiences in rural, urban and suburban schools.”

About the Arts in Education Institute of Western New York, Inc.
The Arts in Education Institute, an affiliate of the Lincoln Center Institute in New York City, is founded on the belief that works of art have the power to stimulate learning. Since 1980, its programs have brought music, theater, dance, architecture and visual arts into the classroom, and encourage students to use their creativity and imagination as tools for learning.

About Medaille College
With campuses in Buffalo, Amherst and Rochester, Medaille College is a dynamic, private college committed to serving the higher education needs of western New York. Medaille is known for its flexible delivery systems, offering master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees through day, evening and weekend programs.