September 8-14, 2019, Philadelphia will join cities across the nation in celebrating National Arts in Education Week. Passed by Congress in 2010, House Resolution 275 designates the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week. The annual celebration recognizes the transformative power of the arts in education and the important role the arts can play in the lives of our city’s youth.
The City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) is celebrating National Arts in Education Week with a reception on Friday, September 13 at City Hall for two exhibitions that reflect the impact of art and creativity on education. In honor of National Arts in Education Week, OACCE is highlighting how the City of Philadelphia supports the arts in education year-round.
Activating Philadelphia’s Community Spaces and Schools with Arts and Cultural Events
OACCE’s Arts in Action programs activate Philadelphia’s parks, plazas, Community Schools, neighborhood libraries, recreation centers, older adult centers, and other public spaces with free, quality cultural experiences. By distinguishing these non-traditional neighborhood spaces as anchors of creativity, Arts in Action provides accessible and family-friendly arts programming to Philadelphians year-round. OACCE works with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Mayor’s Office of Education, and the Free Library of Philadelphia to make these programs possible.
Inviting Youth to City Hall to Experience Free Arts Education Activities
Each summer, OACCE hosts a free day of art camp for ages 12 and under in the City Hall Courtyard. Make Art Philly provides an opportunity for children to experience new make-and-take arts activities from local cultural organizations.
Connecting Educators and Community Leaders with Local Arts Education Program Providers
Through the annual Arts Education Fair, representatives from Philadelphia schools, libraries, recreation centers, Out-of-School-Time providers, and more can connect with local providers of arts education programming. The mission of the Arts Education Fair continues year-round through ArtsLink, a free web tool to help Philadelphians find quality arts experiences in neighborhoods across the city.
Showcasing Artwork by Local Students at Philadelphia City Hall
OACCE’s Art in City Hall program features exhibitions in the Art Gallery in City Hall, public corridors, and display cases throughout Philadelphia’s City Hall. Exhibits like the 10th annual A+ Art student art exhibition, on display now, highlight the extraordinary artwork created by aspiring young artists. The exhibit recognizes the arts as an important part of a well-rounded, high-quality education.
Providing and Promoting Arts Education Events, Opportunities, and Resources
Through the Arts Access Calendar of free arts and cultural events happening in Philadelphia, OACCE promotes opportunities for all Philadelphians to experience the arts. OACCE also provides and promotes artist opportunities and resources for professional development year-round on creativephl.org.
