Heddy Lahmann is a clinical assistant professor of international education at NYU Steinhardt. That’s why she recently published Making the Case, a detailed report that identifies effective arts education models from all parts of the world. The report identifies over 20 initiatives that have effectively integrated quality arts programs into schools, despite the ongoing challenges posed by dwindling resources in many educational systems.
All of these findings demonstrate the immense ways that artistic skills and creativity enhance our world’s economy. Additionally, it demands more support for arts education. Perhaps most important, Lahmann’s findings reiterate the importance of community engagement and forming relationships with local artists and institutions to enhance educational programming.
You can read Lahmann’s report at that link, and on the Community Arts Network website. It calls attention to the critical need for action in arts education. I copied this report from phys.org on 3 Jul 2022. It still provides some important nuggets of information and promising practices for educators, policymakers and advocates.
Successful Initiatives in Arts Education
In her review, Lahmann provides several illustrative examples. She reminds us how powerful arts education can soar, despite challenging climates. These initiatives range from programs supported by national governments to locally-run initiatives led by nonprofit organizations. One of the most successful examples of this approach is Carnegie Hall. It collaborates with more than 115 orchestras around the country to develop children’s singing and instrumental skills. These creative partnerships end with orchestral performances, highlighting the students’ passion and improved abilities.
Lahmann adds that these collaborative endeavors are essential for creating the conditions for young talent to thrive and fostering a passion for the arts. Collectively, these programs ensure that interactive and accessible arts experiences reach diverse community members. Not only do they advance personal growth, but they build community connections right alongside them.
“Strengthening arts education requires more than policy declarations; it demands concrete action: investing in teacher training, technical support, and opportunities for communities to experience the arts firsthand,” – Heddy Lahmann.
This is a hopeful statement that demonstrates the potential and necessity of taking tangible action to make arts education programs sustainable. Lahmann’s report makes the case that investing in high-quality instructional materials and meaningful community engagement are critical components of successful efforts.
Strategies for Integration
In her Strategic Plan on Arts Integration Report, Lahmann highlights key tactics for bringing quality arts programs into the school environment. Part of these strategies is building rapport with a movement of local artists and arts organizations, who can bring priceless resources and intelligence to the table. Creative Schools is helping schools improve their curriculum by linking gearhead teachers to innovative artists. This collaboration provides students with engaging experiences that extend outside the walls of a classroom.
Even more promising, the report recommends that districts take a whole-community approach by providing arts experiences to everyone in the community, not just students. This kind of inclusive thinking goes a long way toward building a community-wide appreciation for the arts and inviting everyone to get involved with their own artistic pursuits.
“It also means investing in the partnerships that make this work possible. The most successful efforts align strategy with heart: they build partnerships, connect policy to practice, and shift mindsets,” – Heddy Lahmann.
There are lessons to be learned for schools looking to cultivate powerful partnerships that elevate the educational experience. This new approach recognizes that the arts are as important as any other academic discipline.
The Importance of Advocacy
Samar Bandak, managing director and community engagement co-lead of Community Arts Network, echoed deep support of Lahmann’s findings. One important aspect of the report as she noted, was the focus on arts education. Its implications have an outsize effect on the overall advocacy for the role of art in society.
“Our goal, in commissioning this research, was to build the most updated and well-informed case for the arts in public education systems, given how detrimental the decline of arts education in public classrooms is to the future of our children, societies, and the arts,” – Samar Bandak.
Bandak’s comments underscore an urgent call to action for educators and policymakers to recognize the critical role of arts education in shaping future generations.
Lahmann echoes this sentiment by stressing that “the arts are vital for children’s development, well-being, and creative and critical thinking,” especially in today’s world marked by conflict and polarization. The creative thinking, communication, and collaboration that are cultivated through a robust arts education are critical to addressing our most complicated social challenges and developing a more engaged citizenry.