Buzz is more than just a TV pilot for an arts series. It is a multimedia initiative comprising television, an interactive Web site and education materials that help Arizona teachers meet new state arts standards with uniquely Arizona content. Discussions for the concept showcasing Arizona’s emerging arts scene began more than a year ago, eventually involving more than two dozen community arts and education organizations.
The pilot episode, The Work of Art, features three artists whose “day jobs” fuel their passion to create. Phoenix Symphony violist Mark Dix brings chamber music to new audiences at downtown art galleries; ASU Dance Department costume designer Galina Mihaleva also designs fashion for rock stars, private clients and nanotechnologists; and Dean of the ASU College of Design Wellington Reiter draws his vision of a Phoenix Sky Harbor airport where planes, condos and pools might one day co-exist. The TV show is scheduled for broadcast on Eight multiple times in November, 2006. Each artist profile, as well as the entire show, is also available on demand 24/7 right here on the Buzz Web site.
Buzz exposes viewers to information about performances, events and exhibits currently happening in our community and encourages them to participate in the arts. After each artist profile viewers are given information about where they can go to see or hear featured artists as well as additional artists, events and exhibits in the same artistic fields. All of this and more community arts events can also be found here on the Buzz Web site.
Buzz is also committed to providing our teachers with innovative and uniquely Arizona content to help them meet Arizona’s new state arts standards. The pilot features a Buzz Educator Guide tied to the Mark Dix profile featuring information about the history and characteristics of chamber music, the roles of musicians in society, connections between music and visual art, a glossary of terms, additional resources, and three education activities linked to Arizona arts standards.
Feel the energy. Catch the Buzz.
About Eight/KAET-TV
Eight specializes in the education of children, in-depth news and public affairs, lifelong learning, and the celebration of arts and culture - utilizing the power of noncommercial television, the Internet, educational outreach services, and community-based initiatives. The PBS station began broadcasting from the campus of Arizona State University on January 30, 1961. Now more than 80 percent of Arizonans receive the signal through a network of translators, cable and satellite systems. With more than 1.3 million viewers each week, Eight consistently ranks among the most-viewed public television stations per capita in the country.
Buzz was funded by MPAC, the Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture. MPAC was founded in July 2004 at the recommendation of the Maricopa Regional Arts and Culture Task Force. Its mission is to develop and implement entrepreneurial partnerships that advance arts and culture as a critical component of the region’s economic prosperity, distinctiveness and vibrancy.
Core strategies are to:
• integrate arts and culture into current economic development at all levels
• enhance participation in arts and culture activities for everyone in the region
• build regional distinction by promoting signature events and unique arts and
culture experiences
• increase arts and cultural experience in the education of young people.