The San Francisco Arts Commission launches public awareness campaign for arts education on the T-line during National Arts in Education Week, September 9-15, 2012

Poster unveiling will take place at the Creative Impact Public Reception: Celebrating National Arts in Education Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Asian Art Museum

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) takes the message of the arts as an essential part of a well-rounded education to the street with a celebrity poster campaign along the T-line from the Embarcadero to Carroll Street. The artIMPACT poster series features well-known figures such as the comedienne, actress Margaret Cho; dance choreographers Alonzo King and Sean Dorsey; performance artist Rhodessa Jones; visual artist and arts education pioneer Ruth Asawa; and Bayview-native, soul sensation Martin Luther McCoy. The posters will be unveiled on September 13, 2012 at a celebration for National Arts Education Week at the Asian Art Museum. From September 9 through 15, there will be an array of events including an arts education resource fair, family day and the launch of a yearlong Bay Area-wide arts education program calendar.

According to Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny, "Championing quality, equity and access in arts education continues to be a top priority for the San Francisco Arts Commission. This campaign provides a perspective on how public figures we hold in high regard have benefitted from the arts in their own lives."

Featured poster artist Martin Luther McCoy will perform alongside speakers including Chair of the California Arts Council Malissa Shriver, Supervisor David Chiu and Superintendent Richard Carranza at the September 13 celebration. McCoy is best known for his role as "Jo-Jo," a reflection of Jimi Hendrix in the 2007 Beatles musical Across the Universe and as a member of hip-hop super group, The Roots. Born and raised in the heart of the Bayview-Hunters Point community, where he still resides, McCoy attributes his ability to navigate the difficulties of growing up in the urban center with being introduced to music.

The artIMPACT poster series will be on view until December 31, 2012.

artIMPACT was originally a speaker series developed by the Arts Commission to provide a platform to explore and discuss the impact of arts education through the lens of high profile individuals. Past speakers include NFL Player Vernon Davis and living legend, Latin musician Pete Escovedo.