Partnerships & Learning
Ingenuity fosters meaningful, long-term partnerships between CPS schools and arts organizations, bringing educators and teaching artists together through shared values, clear standards, and ongoing support.
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14 Years
of Professional Learning Offerings for Arts Education Sector
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400
Arts Organizations Partnering with 600 CPS Schools
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15-20
Events and Trainings Held Annually
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1000+
People Served Annually
Collaboration Is the Foundation of Arts Education
Reaching every CPS student with meaningful arts education is a big task—and not one that we can complete on our own. We’re proud to work with over 400 partners in pursuit of holistic arts education.
Professional Development for Deeper Impact
Through our workshops, coaching, and toolkits, we equip arts liaisons, classroom teachers, and arts partners with the tools they need to build a stronger, more connected arts education network across Chicago.
Shared Learning, Shared Leadership
We’re proud to host events, panels, and co-learning experiences where educators, artists, and community leaders can reflect on challenges, exchange ideas, and shape the future of arts education together.
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May 22
RegisterAmplifying Student Voices: Enhancing Arts Education Assessment
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May 22, 2025
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Online
Join us online to learn how to better assess arts education and empower students to have their voices heard in the process!
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May 29
Register
Arts Partner Communities of Practice #3
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May 29, 2025
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To be announced
Come join us for the fourth installment of Arts Partner Communities of Practice, where we'll collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other.
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Arts Partnerships Across the District
In 2023–24, nearly 400 arts organizations are continuing to collaborate with CPS schools, fostering creativity and growth. The number of schools with at least one arts partner has grown to 598, surpassing pre-pandemic levels—a true testament to the resilience and commitment of our arts community! Even though there was a slight drop in total partners, there’s a brighter story unfolding: for the first time ever, the median number of schools served per organization has doubled from one to two, showing a significant increase in reach and impact. With 2,432 total partnerships holding strong, more organizations are connecting with multiple schools than ever before—an exciting leap toward expanding access to the arts for all students.
Arts Partnership Landscape at CPS
As reported in Ingenuity’s 2023-24 State of the Arts, nearly 400 arts organizations have partnered with CPS schools each year—fueling creative learning across the city. While the number of partners has held steady, exciting shifts in how and where programs are delivered are expanding impact. By continuously tracking these trends, CPS can better meet evolving student needs, close opportunity gaps, and ensure every student has access to vibrant, high-quality arts education.
Arts Partners by Discipline
CPS arts partners are driving creativity across every discipline, with Music and Visual Arts leading the charge—supported by nearly half of all organizations! Theatre (38%) and Dance (35%) are close behind, reflecting a dynamic and consistent presence in the arts community. This diverse, cross-disciplinary engagement is fueling a vibrant, creative culture, ensuring students experience the full spectrum of artistic expression.
Hear from Partners
I’ve taught dance with Music House and in partner schools across Chicago for over 10 years, but this is the first time I’ve had the chance to teach in my own neighborhood. Thanks to Ingenuity, we now have a partnership with Little Village Academy, and I’m thrilled to bring my passion for dance home. It’s an honor to serve my community, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.”
— Kathleen Alvarado, Teaching Artist, 2024-25 Creative Schools Fund Grantee
Storytelling helps students recognize that their voices matter—that their families, cultures, and lived experiences have value. With support from Ingenuity, I’ve been able to guide young people at Langston Hughes Elementary through a journey of self-discovery and pride. ‘We All Have Stories’ is more than a project—it’s a reminder that our heritage lives on through the stories we choose to tell.”
— Mama Edie, Bilingual Storyteller, 2024-25 Creative Schools Fund Grantee
Ingenuity has been a game-changer in supporting our mission to provide students with meaningful arts education. Through our long-term partnership with Benjamin E. Mays Elementary, we’ve witnessed how the arts build confidence, ignite creativity, and connect students to their cultural roots. It’s more than just art—it’s about giving students a voice and a platform to express themselves, ultimately enriching their entire academic journey.”
— Sharon Mason, Urban Gateways, 2024-25 Creative Schools Fund Grantee
Let’s Grow Together
Partners play an important role in our success. Reach out today for connection or support.