Creativity is a dynamic force that comes from relatively unknown parts of each of us. When artists and teachers come together, learning can be approached as a creative process that leads to concrete ends – both expected and unexpected.

In the ArtLinks program, teachers and artists co-create the experience. They work together to design lessons that are tailored specifically for each classroom, focusing on the students’ needs and interests. In the end, teachers, artists and students all benefit.

For Teachers:

• The arts enable educators to reach students in alternate and effective ways
• Teachers are empowered to use new methods of reaching students
• The energy created from looking at a lesson from two different perspectives allows for the resulting arts-integrated lesson to be more creative and powerful than either person could have designed on their own

For Artists:

• Our artists learn from teachers how to design curriculum that links classroom lessons to art, dance, music, and drama
• Artists experience their creativity directly affecting the creativity of others
• Artists learn new ways to use their art form in reaching students and helping them learn

For Students:

• Students witness adults sharing ownership of lessons, and working together in a collaborative manner
• Students associate fun and creativity with the process of learning
• Numerous developmental impacts, including:
  1. Increased success in mathematics and reading,
  2. Development of cognitive, social and personal competencies, and
  3. Enhanced critical thinking abilities and outcomes