State of the Arts

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

This year’s State of the Arts: Education Convening will mark  a significant milestone for the Chicago arts education community, unveiling the latest draft of an extensive stakeholder engagement process: the CPS Citywide Arts Education Plan. This year’s event is not just a gathering; it’s a testament to the power of partnership and collective action.

For nearly a year, stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including students, teachers, school leaders, the CPS Department of Arts Education, Ingenuity, the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, arts partners, parents, and the Chicago Teachers Union, have come together in a series of engagements. These discussions have been instrumental in shaping the new arts education plan, ensuring that it reflects the voices and needs of our community.

Crafted with collective care and managed by the Civic Consulting Alliance,  this plan represents a shared vision for the future of arts education in Chicago Public Schools (CPS).  The State of the Arts: Education Convening will be a key opportunity to discuss, refine, and prepare for the implementation of this transformative blueprint.

Moreover, attendees will have the chance to explore how the latest findings from the ’23-24 State of the Arts report further speak to and support the goals outlined in the new arts education plan. The report will offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of arts education within CPS, providing a foundation for aligning strategies and priorities moving forward. 

Join us as we embark on this journey towards a brighter, more inclusive future for arts education in Chicago Public Schools. Together, let’s shape a tomorrow where creativity knows no bounds, and every student, in every grade, in every school, has equitable access to the arts.

Core Objectives

Understand the key components and significance of the CPS Citywide Arts Education Plan in shaping the future of arts education within Chicago Public Schools.

Analyze the findings of the ’23-24 State of the Arts report to identify implications and opportunities for enhancing arts education initiatives within CPS.

Engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to gain insights and perspectives on the needs and priorities of the Chicago arts education community.