Activating Parents and the Community for the Arts
Content originally researched, developed, and published in 2018.
Successful arts-rich schools create a culture where parents and community members are highly visible, routinely contributing their talents and skills in support of the school’s vision, mission, and plan for arts education.
Parent and community assistance can take many forms: for example, leading or co-teaching arts projects before or after school; participating in planning and carrying out arts events; assuming leadership for fundraising initiatives; writing grants; working with publicity; maintaining arts resources on the school website etc.
The Utah Division of Arts and Museums created a Parent and Community Handbook to help to provide information to parents and community members interested in supporting efforts to increase access to arts experiences for children in the state of Utah. The brochure lists community resources as well as ideas for increasing arts opportunities in schools. On the first page it reads,
“Utah is home to many quality arts organizations that enrich our lives by providing experiences that refine our sensitivities, inform our cultural literacy, and define who we are as a community. It is important to join together to increase access to these great resources for all children.”
A few highlights from the handbook are summarized below. Access the full brochure by clicking here or visiting the Utah Division of Arts and Museums website for arts education.
How Parents Can Support Arts Education in Utah
Parents play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing their children's artistic experiences. Here are several ways parents in Utah can get involved:
- Attend School Art Events: Show your support by attending school art shows, exhibitions, and performances. Celebrating your child's achievements and those of their peers fosters a sense of pride and community.
- Volunteer for Art Activities: Schools often need extra hands for arts-related activities and events. Volunteering your time to assist with these projects can provide invaluable support to teachers and enrich the overall experience for students.
- Encourage Creativity: Encourage your child to express their creativity freely. Provide positive feedback and display their artwork at home to show that you value their efforts.
- Participate in Art Projects at Home: Encourage your child to continue their artistic exploration at home. Create a dedicated art space and provide various materials for them to experiment with. Engaging in art projects together can also be a wonderful bonding activity.
Community Involvement in Arts Education in Utah
The broader community in Utah also plays an essential role in fostering a vibrant environment for arts education. Here are ways the community can contribute:
- Partnerships with Local Artists: Schools can collaborate with local artists to offer workshops, demonstrations, and mentorship programs. This provides students with exposure to professional artistic practices and insights into potential career paths.
- Art Exhibitions and Public Art Projects: Community centers, libraries, and local businesses can host student art exhibitions, allowing students to showcase their work to a wider audience. Public art projects, such as murals and installations, can also involve students in beautifying their community.
- Funding and Resources: Community organizations, local businesses, and philanthropists can provide funding and resources for arts programs. Grants, donations, and sponsorships can help schools acquire quality art supplies and support extracurricular art activities. Check out the following organizations for funding options: Utah Division of Arts and Museums, Art Works for Kids, BTS Arts Programming, and PTA.
- Creating Platforms for Artistic Expression: Local media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, and online platforms, can feature student artwork and highlight school art events. This not only gives students recognition but also promotes the importance of arts education within the community.
Check out Arts for Life Utah (@artsforlifeutah) as a platform specifically designated for student artists across the state.
Implementing Community Support in Utah
Here are some tips for effectively implementing action plans with the support of parents and the community in Utah:
- Collaborative Planning: Involve parents and community members in the planning process. Seek their input on potential projects and activities, and encourage them to share their skills and resources.
- Communication is Key: Keep parents and the community informed about upcoming art projects, events, and opportunities for involvement. Regular newsletters, social media updates, and school meetings can help maintain open lines of communication.
- Celebrate Achievements Together: Organize community-wide events to celebrate students' artistic achievements. Art fairs, open houses, and performances can bring everyone together and highlight the collective effort in supporting arts education.
- Feedback and Reflection: After each project or event, gather feedback from parents, students, and community members. Reflecting on what worked well and what could be improved helps ensure continuous growth and improvement in arts education initiatives.
Conclusion
By actively involving parents and inviting the community into your school circle, you can create a nurturing environment that supports and celebrates student arts experiences and creative expression. This collaborative approach not only enhances the impact of arts education but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. Join together with the parents in your community to cultivate creative minds and inspire the artists of tomorrow.
For more detailed guidance for building an arts-rich school, download the Arts-Rich School Handbook. This resource includes everything from guidance for hiring educators to producing student performances and exhibitions. This handbook is an essential tool for any school looking to elevate its arts programs and build a dynamic, creative culture focused on collaboration, deep learning, and community.
