Sparking Lifelong Relationships With the Arts: Exploring the Origin Stories of Six Arts Education Stakeholders

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Impactful Arts Learning (Table 4)

Abstract

This study explored how community arts education leaders described their relationships with the arts and arts education. These stakeholders help sustain an arts ecosystem that promises equitable access to the arts for students in a Northwest US school district. We documented and analyzed their stories, garnering ideas for building meaningful arts programs. Key influences shaping stakeholders' arts origin stories were (1) Significant moments, (2) Family and community practices, and (3) Career decisions. Their stories highlight how multiple and various interactions with the arts might benefit some students. However, prioritizing community, belonging, agency, and ongoing opportunities to build artist identities might help arts stakeholders design responsive programs that honor students' multiple identities and their social and political worlds.

Authors

• Stephanie F. Reid, University of Cincinnati

• Jingjing Sun, University of Montana