Arts Datathon - About

Program

Arts Datathon: Storytelling began with a panel discussion about why it is so important to have accurate data about the quantity, quality, and equity of arts education in this moment. Meet our plenary session panelists: 

Danielle Galván Gomez is a Los Angeles based visual artist, writer, and cultural worker who has been a part of many arts organizations, including museums, community art centers, and artist-led projects. A former MOCA Apprentice, Getty Multicultural Intern, LACMA Fellow, and Youth Advisory Council member at the LA County Department of Arts and Culture and the Snap Foundation, Danielle has worked and developed her praxis in spaces across Los Angeles. She believes that a conscious art, cultural, and social practice should serve as an ethical and intermediary force between recorded and alternative histories, the communities that these histories affect, and the world-building futurism of a creative vision.

Sarah Lyding is Executive Director of The Music Man Foundation, also known as The Meredith and Rosemary Willson Charitable Foundation. Under her leadership, the Foundation launched a music therapy grant program for Southern California-based organizations and supports outstanding music education programs across the country. Ms. Lyding cultivates meaningful relationships with partner organizations in fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission to support programs which use music to improve children’s lives. Before joining The Music Man Foundation in 2017, she was the first staff member for The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, where she worked for nearly 10 years on programs such as BankWork$TM and the Social Impact Theatre opportunity. Prior to her work with foundations, she led fundraising efforts at some of Southern California’s preeminent performing arts organizations including Pasadena Playhouse and Center Theatre Group. Ms. Lyding also serves on the Board of Directors of Boston Court Pasadena.

Dr. Sheila Reamer is an educator, passionate about teaching and music. She has had the privilege of uniting the two disciplines through her work as an elementary teacher, English Language Arts resource coach, and vocal music teacher in Torrance Unified School District. Her advocacy work in the arts in her school district began with her opportunity to be both a delegate and innovator with Arts for LA. Her most personal expression in the arts occurs every Sunday as she shares her love of music at Immanuel Baptist Church, playing the piano. Using her foundation of education from the University of Southern California and all she has learned from her students through the years, she is continuing her effort in seeking equity in education for diverse student populations and opportunity in the arts to enrich the educational experience for all learners.

Descriptions of the three breakout sessions:  

Diving for District Data: Leveraging Existing Data Sources and Creating Your Own 
Learn how to use lenses of inquiry and equity to mine existing arts education data and create your own surveys to support your arts education programs. You’ll gain skills and knowledge to make the case for arts education and support decision making with district administrators and key stakeholders. All school and district community members are welcome.

Data + Stories = Advocacy
Learn how to find data that helps you tell compelling stories to advocate for arts education. Each participant will leave the session a draft public comment that incorporates both their personal experience and data from the Arts Ed Profile. This session is open to all. 

Youth Data Storytellers
Explore how to use data to build on your arts education experiences to tell your personal story, through letters and poetry. This session is limited to youth ages 16 to 24. Youth participants may be eligible for a stipend. Contact research@arts.lacounty.gov for more information.

Datathon Partners and Sponsors

Arts Datathon: Storytelling is made possible by:

            

            

Learn all about our previous Arts Datathons below: