Arts|Learning: The Hub of Arts Education in Massachusetts
“Learn the Arts. Learn through the Arts”
Who we are
Arts|Learning (A|L) supports the inclusion of a complete public Arts Education (dance, media arts, music, drama/theatre, and visual arts) for every preK-12 student in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
When the Arts are at the center of the core curriculum, students develop durable and future-ready skills and knowledge. Arts Education helps students:
- Grow creative imagination and intuition
- Enrich communication and public-speaking skills
- Strengthen social-emotional learning and well-being, empathy, and understanding.
- Build critical thinking and focus
- Practice intentional choice-making and reflection
- Develop aesthetic understanding and appreciation
- Enhance personal interaction and collaboration
The comprehensive study of one or more arts disciplines is essential for all students to develop as well-rounded, fully-educated human beings.
What we do
Advocate
We advocate for the Commonwealth to invest more funding in Arts Education through Arts Access for All (Lowell Mason Arts Education Equity Act, H.4297).
Collaborate
We lead an alliance of organizations, cultural institutions, and public agencies to bring about changes in how the Arts are viewed and supported within education.
Educate
We support educators and schools in Massachusetts with resources that provide guidance on best practices in the five disciplines of Arts Education.
Our work
Support for expanded Arts Education funding
A|L is a lead partner of the Arts Access for All Coalition to help pass the Lowell Mason Arts Education Equity Act (Bill H.4297). The proposed legislation will expand high-quality Arts Education for all public-school students in Massachusetts.
Arts Foundational Skills Progressions
Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, A|L developed comprehensive Arts Foundational Skills Progressions in the five Arts disciplines. These resources provide schools and districts with additional guidance on unpacking the 2019 MA Arts Curriculum Framework by identifying how aligned foundational skills can be supported and developed in each discipline.
Professional Development for Arts Educators and District Leaders
District-or School-based Professional Development for Arts Educators, Department Chairs, and District Administrators in best teaching practices, curriculum development, and MA Arts Framework implementation
New Arts Teacher Mentorship Program, initially funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, A|L developed a mentoring curriculum for new Arts Educators, and can provide ongoing mentorship programs for arts educators.
School-Arts Leaders Program helps schools and districts develop an Arts Education Strategic Plan
Annual Champions of Arts Education Advocacy Awards
A|L hosts an annual awards ceremony to recognize outstanding leadership, teaching, advocacy, and contributions to Arts Education.
Contact us
Are you interested in joining the Arts Access for All Coalition and supporting the Lowell Mason Arts Education Equity Act? Do you have a question about our resources? Send us an email!