At the Island Teachers Conference in early October, art teachers and organizers from Vinalhaven, North Haven and Islesboro had an opportunity to meet and compare notes. They concluded that there is a need for more communication and sharing of resources amongst the islands. In addition, there is a need for some strong voices advocating the arts in the face of recent cuts in class time designated to the arts. Those present agreed to announce the formation of the Inter-Island Arts Coalition (IIAC), an organization that is committed to the sharing of resources, networking and advocacy for art and enrichment activities on Maine’s year-round island communities.
Each art teacher present at the meeting had a different story to tell, but all recognized a common need. After meeting during the scheduled hour-long “connections” session, during which all teachers of like subjects were brought together at the conference, the art teachers from the three Penobscot Bay islands realized there was a common struggle against the cuts faced as a result The group scheduled additional time to meet, and broached the subject of how best to work together. Out of the discussion arose the IIAC and a plan for an Inter-Island arts festival next spring.
The coalition will work together to create a common calendar of events taking place on the islands, as well as to share resources, brainstorm ideas for bringing students together in art and enrichment activities and to share research for arts advocacy. Anyone interested in being a part of the IIAC, acting as a resource or being a visiting artist to the islands, should e-mail Keely Felton at kgrumbach@islandinstitute.org or call (207) 867-2029. The calendar of events will be made available at