Read the latest research, news, and policy in our arts education RECAP for January 2026.
“Ruth Asawa-founded nonprofit helps students make art, community”
Published on December 1, 2025, by SF Examiner
Learn how one nonprofit, the San Francisco Arts Education Project, is bringing arts education into schools across the city. “Since its founding by artist Ruth Asawa nearly 60 years ago, the nonprofit has spent the decades bringing practicing artists, choreographers, dancers and singers to various public schools and after-school programs, with the goal of sharpening students’ communication and critical thinking skills.” SF Examiner
“Frank Gehry wanted to show you everything you could become”
Published on December 7, 2025, by the Los Angeles Times
“Frank has finally completed his physical journey, and we are left with his wondrous signature, his eternal essence communicated in form. I believe this is why he supported arts education, because he knew that without his own, he might not have discovered his singular soul’s purpose. He wanted to show you everything you could become. He wanted more than anything to be known, deeply seen, and he wanted that for all young people.” Los Angeles Times
“Coalition works to bring free arts education to 90,000 Miami-Dade students”
Published on December 8, 2025, by WLRN
A coalition of arts groups is working to bring arts education into Miami-Dade County public schools, citing the vital role the arts play in how children feel about their school experience. “According to the coalition’s Donor Impact Report for 2024-2025, Arts Access students had up to 22% higher attendance rates across grade levels and middle school students in the programs scored 10% higher in Language Arts than their peers not enrolled.” WLRN
“At Washington Avenue Elementary, students and educators lean on the arts to build critical life skills”
Published on December 8, 2025, by WHYY
One New Jersey elementary school is turning to dance to build social-emotional learning. “A study of an arts-based program in public schools, led by professional artists, found strong evidence that these experiences boost creativity, encourage hands-on creative activity and improve academic performance…. ‘Participation in arts programs supports students’ cognitive, social and emotional development,’ said Cynthia Ruiz-Cooper, principal at Washington Avenue Elementary.” WHYY
“Drexel after-school program combines dance, science and coding for a creative, integrated approach to learning”
Published on December 11, 2025, by WHYY
“Drexel educators and researchers launched Black Girls STEAMing Through Dance in 2018. Since then, it has expanded and now offers after-school classes, training for teachers, specialized workshops and seasonal camps throughout Philadelphia. The free program focuses on Black girls, but also invites boys and other students to participate. It’s designed to break down silos and bring together different fields of study in a way that may not be taught in traditional classrooms, or life in general.” WHYY
