2024-2025 Program Series: Back to Basics
Arts experiences are not just extras— They are essential for a complete and quality education. Arts education is also protected as part of “Basic Education” in statute at the state and federal level.
In our local control state, each of Washington’s 295 School Districts has the opportunity to choose arts programming that best meets the needs of their community. Yet in this time of unprecedented budget cuts and insufficient state funding, many schools are seeing their arts programs in more jeopardy than ever.
This year, ArtsEd Washington is touring schools around the state to see firsthand what’s working and what needs more support. School tours are being developed with regional leaders and educators, and include a combination of the following options, as requested by each host school:
*Listening to stories or data from arts students and staff
*Teaching students how to articulate what their arts experiences mean to them
*Enhancing students’ sense of community through dialogue with local artists
*Introducing students to career pathways in the arts and resources in Washington’s Creative Economy
*Leading conversations with school leaders about arts education successes and systemic challenges
*Answering questions about including the arts as part of each school’s basic education programming
*Equipping students and staff with resources to advocate based on the unique needs of their school
For behind-the-scenes insights, inspiring success stories,
and information about upcoming school tours, sign up for our AEW Newsletter.
To discuss school visit opportunities in your region, email us at office@artsedwashington.org.
For a basic introduction on WHY and HOW to support the arts in your schools,
download our free Artivism 101 training materials.
