In collaboration with Creative Generation, we offer a timely resource titled Case-making and Systems Change in Arts & Cultural Education.

‘Strategic communications’ is a term describing an intentional and targeted messaging plan that is linked to overarching goals. The article places strategic communications in the context of arts and cultural education.

In collaboration with Creative Generation, the third article of Case-making and Systems Change in Arts & Cultural Education explores multiple perspectives in making the case for the arts and arts education. It underscores the importance of advocacy that sees the larger system while working within a local context. 

We have all spent more time in our kitchens in the past year, which can be a good thing or too much of a good thing. I’ve come to appreciate that satisfying meals can be made with a limited number of ingredients; no fancy equipment or mad chef-y skills required.

We advocate every day to advance issues we care about. What makes it personal is that it builds on our own experiences, beliefs and biases.

Advocacy is defined as the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. Advocacy may be a big “A” or a small “a” effort.

What is your point of view in arts education advocacy?

Are you the arts educator, working everyday to advance students’ knowledge and experience in the arts? Or the advocate working on policy levers that will improve quality, equity and access for all students? Can you see the forest for the trees?

We usher in a new decade with best of/worst of stories, predictive trends, and endless advice on how to make and live up to our New Year’s resolutions. What’s on your list of habits to either embrace or discard? Will you take the stairs?

There comes a time for honest reflection in the life of every arts in education program. Whether your organization or project is just finding its footing or is well-established, we all benefit from turning the lens from an outward programmatic focus to an internal review of organizational health.

Data is a powerful tool for arts ed advocates. Quantifiable data helps to answer the question of need. Decision makers want proof that policy is warranted and dollars are needed.*