A National Overview: How U.S. Arts Education Organizations are Navigating COVID-19

By: Mary Dell’Erba* and Erika Hawthorne^

This blog is published as part of the #KeepMakingArt campaign. The curated series features voices in the arts/culture, education, and social change sectors to capture the deep thinking and innovation occurring as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and the many cancellations or shutdowns happening in response. Working through a crisis is not easy and we applaud our colleagues persevering to keep equitable access to arts education a priority as we prepare to adapt to a new normal on the other side of this. 

Here at the Arts Education Partnership, we understand that these times have shifted priorities of every individual and organization navigating this new and rapidly changing environment. To support our partners and stakeholders – the network over 100 education, arts, cultural, government, research, business and philanthropic organizations—as they navigate these challenging times, we compiled a robust list of resources related to COVID-19. We believe these resources are a demonstration of the innovation and creative leadership inherent in the arts education ecosystem. 

The Education Commission of the States, our parent organization, has also been tracking state policy responses to COVID-19 and sharing innovative responses from state and district leadership to ensure continuity of education and support services. 

We are inspired by the determination and ingenuity of our partners in these unprecedented times. Here are just a few examples of how AEP partners are responding: 

Funding:

The response from the arts and education community has included emergency funding to help alleviate the financial burden related to cancelations, shutdowns, and furloughs. The National Endowment for the Arts plans to distribute $75 million in relief aid to arts organizations in need. We are also seeing more localized responses, including the Ford Foundation’s collaboration to launch the NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund supporting New York City nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Grantmakers in the Arts has compiled a robust list of emergency funding opportunities that span all areas of the country including funds for individuals impacted by COVID-19. 

Online Learning:

As our arts and education leaders work to ensure learners have access to quality arts education experiences, we have seen an outpouring of resources for teachers transitioning to online learning. The national service organizations — including the Educational Theatre Association, National Dance Education Organization, National Association for Music Educators, and the National Art Education Organization — have provided discipline-specific resources for educators. The National Associations of Elementary School Principals and Secondary School Principals have provided specific guidance for school leaders. And the Afterschool Alliance continues to gather examples and collect insights for afterschool programs, including the continuation of afterschool meals to students.   

The U.S. Department of Education compiled COVID-19 Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel including resources for Higher Education Institutions, where many have transferred courses completely online and shifted to pass/fail models for grading during this pandemic. 

Virtual Work Settings:

AEP Partners, like Fractured Atlas, are offering tools for how to transition operations online including How to Transition to a Virtual Workplace Overnight. To connect peers for community learning via virtual gatherings, the National Guild for Community Arts Education created a series of online conversations and workshops focused on Human-Centered Approaches in a Time of Crisis. 

Preparing for What’s Next: 

At AEP, we recognize that the world looks different now, and the impact of this pandemic will be felt at all levels of the arts education ecosystem. We want you to know that we are here to help as we collectively work to re-build, adapt to our new normal, and shape what comes next for our field. We will continue to compile resources to build our collective leadership capacity, and hope these resources—like our most recent report on Engaging the Arts Across the Juvenile Justice System — prompt us to keep students and colleagues in vulnerable situations at the forefront of our work.

As the world is turning to the arts to get us through, we encourage you all to #KeepMakingArt, and continue to reach out to our team as you need us. We are here for you!

*Mary Dell’Erba 

Mary serves as a senior project manager for AEP. In this role she designs programming for AEP events, creates work plans, and manages and supports staff in the development of AEP deliverables. Prior to joining AEP in September 2018, she led the development of programming and statewide advocacy strategies for the Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance and supported leadership and talent development at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Mary is a lifelong dancer, an experienced teaching artist and has a master’s degree in public policy with a focus in education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. 

^Erika Hawthorne 

As engagement specialist for the Arts Education Partnership, Erika cultivates relationships with arts and education leaders and works to build leadership capacity and knowledge for AEP partners. In this role, Erika developed a new engagement strategy for the partnership, provides support for AEP’s Advisory Council, manages the working groups and oversees the partner application process. Erika started her career as a teaching artist and comes to Education Commission of the States with experience in community engagement; grantmaking; communications; and a dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Culture from Howard University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from American University, where she is currently finishing a master’s degree in Arts Management.