Arts in Education

Every child has the right to a well-rounded education that includes the arts. That is why the Washington State Arts Commission is working to bring arts education to every K-12 student in our state. To do this, we are using strategies that support Washington’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements in the arts, as well as cultivating community partnerships and championing proven arts education practices.

Community Consortia grants assist community arts and education partners in building and sustaining arts education in their local schools. Consortium programs often involve multiple arts organizations or agencies, teaching artists, schools and/or districts, parents, and other community partners. Funded consortia have received ongoing support through grantee trainings, such as workshops on evaluation and sustainable arts education, and other professional development opportunities.

First Step grants are intended to support newer and/or smaller arts education partnerships. Like the Community Consortia, successful First Step partnerships have goals related to long-term impacts rather than short-term projects. But these partnerships are likely to be in earlier stages of development, with a narrower focus and/or a smaller group of participants.

Arts Education Resources Initiative was initially funded with a grant from Washington Mutual in order to identify and encourage use of proven arts education practices. The project’s website and print materials offer research-based ideas and support for effective practices, methods for improving teaching capacity, as well as specific action agendas that principals, teachers, parents, school districts, and community arts providers can use to work toward high quality arts education for all students.