In a time where traditional educational methods can be too limited in structure to engage all students, Arts Impact has been developing an innovative approach to education. The organization recently received a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to expand their transformative programs, which integrate arts into various academic subjects to enhance student learning and development.
Arts Impact operates on three fundamental pillars: arts integration, social-emotional learning, and arts enrichment. Their primary focus – arts integration – involves blending creative arts with subjects like science, math and social studies. These activities tap into natural engagement and retention fostered by creative activities. The NEA funds help the organization to offer a more intensive program for students to immerse themselves, Arts Impact officials told The Land. This method helps students grasp complex concepts more effectively by engaging them in hands-on, creative activities.
“We find great success in helping students improve their academic achievement through art,” said Rick Grahovac, the executive director of Arts Impact. “A lot of times, when you’re doing something hands-on and creative, it sticks.”
Previously, Arts Impact would hold residencies at schools, holding 5 to 10 sessions for students.
Under the new NEA-supported model, they can undertake a more dense approach which will see a significant increase in classroom sessions. This new model was piloted in two CMSD schools, Paul L. Dunbar Arts Enrichment Academy and Wilbur Wright. The results demonstrated it was highly successful, as evidenced by increased student participation and academic achievement levels, according to students and school staffers.
Another critical aspect of the organization’s mission is social-emotional learning (SEL). SEL programs make use of art materials to develop essential life skills such as self-awareness, relationship-building, goal setting and planning for the future.They provide students with tools to navigate their emotions and social interactions.This approach ensures that children are not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient, better equipped to handle challenges inside and outside the classroom.
In addition to the arts integration and SEL, the organization also offers arts enrichment programs. These include disciplines like ceramics, photography and animation, allowing students to explore art as a form of creative expression. These programs are critical in developing creativity, problem-solving skills and cultural awareness. They also provide a much-needed outlet for students to express themselves.
Thus, the organization views NEA funding as a major achievement. Instead of increasing the number of students served per year, the company has opted to deepen its involvement with the same number of students. One defining feature of this expanded model is consistent and sustained engagement. Through more frequent interactions with learners, strong rapport can be created; teachers will then have opportunities for differentiating instruction, customizing lessons as well as monitoring progress.
The impact of this initiative is best understood through the stories of the children it serves. For instance, in the pilot program, students demonstrated significant improvements in both academic performance and emotional well-being. Kelly Mattimoe, artist-educator with Arts Impact, noted that teachers reported the students were more engaged, participated more actively in class, and showed greater enthusiasm for learning.
We're celebrating four years of amplifying resident voices from Cleveland's neighborhoods. Will you make a donation to keep our local journalism going?
