Arts Learning

In Oregon, we know that students' creative capacity and originality are skills increasingly valued by employers in the global economy. Oregon Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo said, We know the arts can play a key role in creating high levels of achievement for every child. All students deserve the opportunity to connect with their innate creative and innovative talents, fully preparing them for life in the 21st century.

Students engaged in learning through the arts enjoy learning more. But arts education is not all about brain research, test scores or 21st century skills. It's also about joy, the thrill of playing music, acting and creating a painting or sculpture. The arts stimulate learning and ignite passion for an art form simultaneously.

Qualities like teamwork, imagination, and adaptability are intrinsic to participation in the arts. In addition, the arts serve to heighten quality of life in schools producing more motivated students, higher student engagement and greater community involvement. Ultimately, students who experience the arts have a greater capacity for expressing their ideas and listening to the ideas of others.

The Oregon Arts Commission is actively involved in the development of Oregon-based research and the strengthening of statewide learning communities. OAC Arts Learning programs are managed by OAC’s Arts Education Coordinator, who provides technical assistance to grantees and maintains partnerships with the Oregon Department of Education and other key organizations around the state.

Arts Education Forum

Oregon's virtual learning community across the state. Stay connected to the latest trends in art education live: www.oregonartseducationcongress.org/forum.

Oregon Arts Education Congress

Each fall, the commission gathers delegates from around the state to discuss critical issues in Oregon. Representatives of education, funders, business and policy makers engage to continue making progress on the mission: Sustainable improvement to Oregon’s K-12 systems so that the arts play a key role in the education of every child.
Visit the Oregon Arts Education Congress

Poetry Out Loud

The Oregon Arts Commission—in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Poetry Foundation—facilitates Oregon's involvement in Poetry Out Loud; an exciting national program that helps students master public speaking skills through poetry recitation, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.
Learn more about Poetry Out Loud

Arts Learning Grants

Competitive Arts Learning Grants are available to not-for-profit organizations in Oregon that provide substantive arts programming to support learning in, and through, the arts in K-12 schools. Online applications are due May 1 each year.
Learn more about Arts Learning Grants

Oregon Arts Education Network

To help identify and disseminate best practices in arts learning and connect resources around the state, the commission maintains an email list. Sign up to receive updates about events, resources and opportunities.
Sign up today

Arts Learning Resources

Resources about arts learning websites and state and national resources.

Oregon Department of Education

The Department of Education is a key partner in assuring the arts are a core element of every Oregon student's education. The ODE’s website provides information on standards and assessment in the arts and hosts an Arts Teacher Newsletter.
Visit the Oregon Department of Education

FY10 Arts Learning Grantees

A listing of current Grants for Arts Learning recipients, including contact information and project descriptions of work currently taking place around the state.