Why the Arts Matter — Now More Than Ever
Arts education is a critical part of a well-rounded, equitable education. The arts foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression while helping students connect emotionally and intellectually to their learning.
Integrated arts programs — spanning visual arts, music, theater, and dance — support academic gains, especially for underserved students, while also building empathy, social-emotional skills, and real-world readiness. Just as important, the arts make school more engaging and joyful for students. In a time where student mental health continues to decline, students in arts programs reap the benefits: They attend class more regularly, feel a stronger sense of belonging, and benefit from healthy emotional outlets in times of stress.
For principals seeking to cultivate inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready schools, the arts offer a powerful, research-backed lever for transformation.
The Principal’s Role: Driving Vision and Implementation
Your leadership is the keystone of a thriving school arts culture. Based on guidelines from The Kennedy Center and Arts Education Partnership, here’s how to lead the charge:
1. Set a Clear Vision and Strategic Goals
Make arts education part of your school’s identity:
- Incorporate arts into the school’s mission and improvement plans.
- Set measurable goals for student participation, access, and achievement in the arts.
- Publicly celebrate student performances, exhibits, and creative accomplishments to raise visibility and value.
2. Empower Teachers Through Professional Learning
Arts integration is most effective when general classroom teachers feel confident weaving the arts into their curriculum:
- Host PD workshops with teaching artists or cultural partners.
- Build teacher PLCs focused on creative strategies and collaborative planning.
- Encourage staff to participate in arts education conferences or Kennedy Center offerings.
This equips educators to deliver richer, more engaging instruction across all subjects.
3. Protect Time and Expand Access
One of the most effective ways to promote arts learning is to ensure protected, equitable time for it in the school day:
- Audit your master schedule for dedicated arts instruction (not just electives).
- Create after-school or extended day programs in collaboration with local organizations.
- Use creative scheduling (e.g., block periods, rotating specials) to give students consistent arts exposure.
4. Invest Strategically and Leverage Resources
You don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact:
- Use Title I or ESSA funds to support arts integration and enrichment.
- Partner with museums, theaters, or local artists for in-school residencies and field trips.
- Apply for grants or connect with foundations committed to arts education.
Transparent budgeting ensures the arts aren’t sidelined when resources are tight.
5. Build a Leadership Team and Community Support
Engage a diverse group of stakeholders to sustain your vision:
- Form an Arts Leadership Team of teachers, parents, community partners, and students.
- Conduct an asset map of existing arts resources and gaps.
- Use school events, social media, and newsletters to amplify community engagement in the arts.
This collaborative approach creates broad-based support and shared ownership.
Putting It All Together: A Sample Action Plan for Principals
Make space for creativity. Lead with vision. And let the arts inspire your school community.
