One of the Guiding Principles of the Ventura Educational Partnership (VEP) is for VEP to act in a networking function to develop collaboratives that will support VEP priorities. Included in our vision statement is VEP’s desire to enhance opportunities for lifelong learning and enjoyment of the arts. As such VEP has worked along with the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), the City of Ventura, local arts organizations and artists as well as with other interested parties (parents, private schools, and adult education) to establish an Arts Education and Advocacy Collaborative.