Through the mcli, Fine Arts Development supports students, faculty, and various programs of the Maricopa Colleges. We are fortunate that all ten colleges are able to offer an art experience at some level. The role of Fine Arts Development is to maximize exposure and opportunity for students to display their talents.
Music
Currently, the Fine Arts office helps colleges sponsor several district initiatives to celebrate the creative talents of our students. One of the longest running programs is the Music Competition.  Students in vocal and instrumental performance are selected by local music judges to compete for scholarships. The contest culminates in a performance by the first place winners in eight categories including vocal, instrumental, jazz, chamber ensemble, piano, and guitar. This year, Scottsdale Community College hosted the performance. It was a very special event due to the Maricopa Center for Arts and Entertainment Technology's (MIAET's) live broadcast on the Cox digital cable channel 130.
Creative Writing
In its eleventh year, the Creative Writing Contest featured the finest writing in poetry, short story, one-act plays and creative non-fiction. A panel of judges selected entries, and the winning  pieces were featured in an annual Maricopa Anthology for Creative Writing. First place winners were then forwarded to the League for Innovation writing contest for inclusion in their National Anthology. The League also sponsors an exhibition catalog featuring the top five visual art works produced by each member district.
Dance
One of the most recent events is an effort of the dance programs to create a choreography competition. This venue is unique for us in that it is a collaboration between student performers and choreographers. The student dance companies work with local choreographers drawn from both student and professional categories. The original pieces are then performed in a series of dance concerts.
The Fine Arts office also works with faculty to showcase the talents of their students through special events and performances. To assist colleges with developing and strengthening the visual and performing art programs, faculty are encouraged to apply for Learning Grants (formally known as Vibrant Art Grants).
Arts Education
In addition, the Fine Arts office works with local art advocacy groups to sustain and promote a vigorous arts educational environment. Our partners in these endeavors include Arizonans for Cultural Development and the Arizona Arts Commission. In cooperation with both these agencies, Maricopa is able to participate in such statewide events as the Arizona Arts Congress and the Governor's Art Awards.
Fine Arts Day
At the beginning of every academic year, we host Fine Arts Day, a celebration and acknowledgment of the arts in Maricopa. While recent Fine Arts days have dealt with future planning issues, the 2001 Fine Arts Day (Wednesday, August 15th) will feature local visual and performing art organizations such as the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Ballet, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Arizona Theater Company. The day-long conference will focus on beginning or rekindling community partnerships as well as looking for areas of common interest.
The colleges of Maricopa have a rich history of nurturing the wonderful talents of the students we serve. The office of Fine Arts Development and the mcli focuses on supporting faculty to be dynamic and effective instructors.
 Bob Galloway, MCLI
Web site (under development)
www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/arts/
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