This information was featured in Creative Copy (CC), a Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB) e-newsletter that distributes information to artists and arts organizations. You can find more resources in WAB's online database. If you think we missed something, or if you have a question, reach out to WAB via email at artsboard@wisconsin.gov or phone at 608-266-0190. If you haven't already, make sure to join our email list to receive CC and other WAB resources!
Cultivating Youth Creativity
"Art is of course important in its own right, as a medium for young people expressing themselves, understanding who they are and how they interact with the world," says Bronwyn Bevan, the Wallace Foundation's vice president of research. "But these reports suggest that community-based art programs may provide a unique environment for developing relationships that can ultimately help young people navigate an unpredictable road ahead. Is it because creative pursuits make young people more comfortable with vulnerability, more accepting of new connections, and more open to new possibilities? We want to understand more." (The Wallace Foundation)
A recent report commissioned by the Wallace Foundation connects many of the dots arts educators and teaching artists have already etched in - engaging in youth art programs can help young people build the confidence and the relationships they may need to thrive as adults, and can foster skills like creative thinking, self-awareness, and social influence, to guide them as technology, demography, and geopolitical upheaval transform the country's society and economy.
Without a doubt, arts educators and teaching artists are the backbone of youth art education. We're sharing resources for arts educators and teaching artists to help aid the great, grueling, valued work they do.
For Arts Educators
Check out DPI's Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project to find FREE music, lesson plans, and materials created by Wisconsin artists and educators for Wisconsin schools, communities, and libraries.
For Teaching Artists
Are you an artist? Have you ever wanted to weave youth art education within your work? Have you ever wanted to teach your craft to Wisconsin's youth? Have you ever wondered what that might look like, or where to start?
We think Opera for the Young and The Oneida Arts Program's The Planting Seeds of Knowledge (SEEDS) are two good examples that show organizations connecting accomplished artists with schools and youth art education opportunities.
A few pieces of advice from the Wisconsin Partners for Arts Education:
- Artist partnerships with schools stem from relationships. These partnerships are usually either initiated by the artist, or a school teacher.
- Be aware that if you are collaborating with a school, you'll be asked to pass a background check.
- Artists should approach this work as a collaboration with a school, not a business contract in which the artist is selling something for a school to purchase.
2025 Wisconsin Creativity Summit
If you missed the recent Wisconsin Creativity Summit hosted by DPI, don't worry, you can still access it! Watch a replay of the summit, and read through the key takeaways below.
- Creativity is essential for personal fulfillment and societal progress.
- All children possess unique talents and should be encouraged to explore them.
- Education systems must prioritize creativity alongside traditional subjects.
- Creating a culture of belonging enhances individual and collective creativity.
- Leadership in education should focus on nurturing creativity, not just managing it.
- The arts play a crucial role in fostering emotional connections while cultivating curiosity.
- Assessing the conditions for creativity is more important than assessing individual creativity.
- Community collaboration enhances educational experiences and outcomes.
- Every individual has the potential for brilliance, given the right conditions.
- Incremental changes can lead to significant transformations in education.
2026 Wisconsin Creativity Summit
The 2026 Wisconsin Creativity Summit brought educators and creative leaders together for an inspiring conversation about the essential role of creativity and the arts in education and in preparing young people for an increasingly complex future. Dr. Peter Gamwell and I had the honor of interviewing arts education advocate and researcher Bob Morrison, exploring the enduring role of the arts in education, the need to rethink how we define and value learning, and how each of us can use our spheres of influence to help create meaningful change. The evening also honored the life and legacy of Sir Ken Robinson, whose enduring message about protecting and nurturing the creative capacities of every young person continues to challenge and inspire educators around the world. We invite you to watch the recording and join the conversation about creating an education system that recognizes and cultivates the creativity within every learner.
Watch the recording!
The Wisconsin Arts Board is a Resource, Too
The Wisconsin Arts Board is a resource for all people in Wisconsin. If you are an arts educator or teaching artist, we encourage you to reach out with your questions and thoughts!
We are always looking for panelists who are willing to commit time and energy to our grant review process, especially those with a background in K-12 arts education. For more information, and to apply to be a panelist, submit an interest form.