As we continue to evolve our arts education programs to meet the needs of our community, we're making some significant changes. To provide insight into these shifts, we sat down with Sarah Brothers, Arts Education Director, to discuss the sunsetting of the SPECTRA Matching Grants program. Sarah shares SPECTRA's history, impact, and future direction, emphasizing our ongoing commitment to bringing meaningful arts experiences to students across Santa Cruz County.

Q: Sarah, can you start by sharing a little history of the purpose of the SPECTRA Matching Grants and their role in local schools?

Sarah Brothers: Absolutely! SPECTRA Matching Grants have been instrumental in funding arts workshops, residencies, and performances by our talented SPECTRA teaching artists in schools throughout the county. Since 1980, these grants have enhanced arts education by bringing professional artists directly into classrooms, allowing students to experience the arts meaningfully.

Q: The program has had a strong equity focus. Could you elaborate on that?

Sarah Brothers: We’ve always prioritized equity by directing these grants to schools with higher populations of English Language Learners, students receiving free or reduced lunch, and foster youth. This ensures that arts education reaches historically under-resourced schools and students who can benefit the most from these enriching experiences.

Q: Why is the SPECTRA Matching Grants program being sunsetted, and what circumstances led to this decision?

Sarah Brothers: One of the primary challenges in recent years has been limited funding streams. Last year, we redesigned the program to a two-year cycle to encourage schools to build their own funding for sustainability. And, with the new influx of public arts funding through Prop 28, we’ve decided to phase out these grants to focus on supporting schools in hiring and paying artists through SPECTRA contracts. For example, in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), where most schools already have visual and music art teachers in place, they’re now using Prop 28 funds to contract with us to bring in dance and theater teaching artists. This approach exposes their students to even more possibilities in the arts. It’s worth noting how special it is to have a teaching artist - an outside professional artist - come in for a shorter-term residency. This dynamic creates a unique and inspiring learning experience that enhances what’s already being offered through the school, making the arts more vibrant and accessible for students.

Q: What does this shift mean for the future of SPECTRA and its impact on arts education in the county?

Sarah Brothers: Although we’re sunsetting the SPECTRA Matching Grants, SPECTRA is far from gone. We’re very intentional about continuing to use the SPECTRA name. The focus is now on providing resources, hiring SPECTRA artists, connecting teaching artists, and providing professional development opportunities through our Artist Teacher Partnership and the Summer Arts Education Institute. This ensures that the program remains robust and continues to inspire students across the county, just in a different model.

Q: How have these changes been communicated to the schools and the broader community?

Sarah Brothers: Communication is key as the SPECTRA Matching Grants program has significant name recognition in our community. We’re ensuring that educators, parents, and our broader audience understand that while the granting aspect of the program is ending, the Arts Council’s commitment to arts education and our partnership with schools through SPECTRA is as strong as ever. We’re excited about the new opportunities that will arise from this shift.

Q: What lasting impact has the SPECTRA Matching Grants program had on students and schools?

Sarah Brothers: The benefits have been profound. Schools have reported improvements in students' self-esteem, leadership skills, and academic engagement. These lasting impacts demonstrate the value of arts education, and we’re confident that the new direction we’re taking will continue to build on this legacy.

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