Abstract
As schools in Washington state, particularly in the Edmonds School District, face severe budget cuts, arts education has become increasingly inaccessible, limiting students’ opportunities for self-expression, leadership, and community engagement, especially in underserved communities. Spark! Creativity is addressing this gap through hands-on, arts-based programming that empowers youth and promotes creative thinking. Currently in its pilot phase, Spark! has served over 300 students in grades 4-12 with visual arts and creative writing lessons aligned with the Washington State core curriculum, as well as workshops and summer camps. Spark! is gathering data through surveys and feedback from students, teachers, and teaching artists to refine its approach and explore how arts education can drive social change. This paper focuses on Spark!’s evolving framework, which includes mentorship, hands-on learning, and community collaboration, to foster leadership development in youth. We share insights from the pilot, discuss strategies for expanding arts education, and explore how Spark! empowers youth to become leaders and changemakers. By 2028, Spark! aims to be a leader in inclusive arts education, offering scalable programs that engage youth in leadership and creative projects. How might mentorship and hands-on learning contribute to lasting community impact as Spark! Creativity scales its arts education programming?
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Arts Education, Community Changemakers, Youth Empowerment, Mentorship, Hands-On Learning
