Getting bigger to make

learning better

There’s a palpable excitement in Philadelphia schools this term. It’s boosting critical thinking, empathy and tolerance. Educators tell us it awakens the imaginations of students, inspires a new level of curiosity, and reinvigorates their drive to excel.

We call it an arts-rich education, which PCCY delivers through the Picasso Project.

This year, Picasso’s 17th in Philadelphia Schools, we’re marking a tremendous leap in engagement and support from foundations and generous donors which has allowed us to reach a record number of schools. While in the past, the total number of schools with a Picasso Project grant totaled a little over a dozen each year, this year we’re working with 22 schools, including six that are implementing our new Arts-Rich Schools Model (as opposed to our traditional Teacher-Based Model) which integrates strong and sustainable arts programs on a school-wide basis.

The Picasso Project improves the quality of arts instruction at under-resourced schools, giving students an opportunity to collaborate, and inspiring students by combining arts with core academic subjects. We pair each project with local artists and organizations to leverage Picasso’s mini-grants into amazing learning experiences students would otherwise go without.

Over the years, we’ve seen amazing things happen for students who had previously been struggling to find their way in school. We’ve seen entire neighborhoods embrace and celebrate Picasso art works, such as when the projects involve gorgeous mosaics and murals on school walls, or include community gardens or theatrical performances.

While we can’t wait untilthe end of the school year to share what happened at our Arts-Rich Schools, this week we want to unveil all of our grant-recipient schools and offer a preview of the innovative arts projects they’re working on at some of the 16 Teacher-Based programs.

Science Leadership Academy Middle School: “A World Without Art”

In partnership with the Fabric Workshop and Museum, 7th and 8th grade students will create silkscreened tote bags and stickers that illustrate why art is necessary in their lives. Students will share their artwork in public spaces, including an “arts advocacy station” to raise awareness of the need for arts education funding.

Vaux Big Picture High School: “The Vaux Media Maker Laboratory”

Vaux will create a digital media maker lab where Drama and Dance students will learn the professional audio and video editing skills necessary to document their projects, culminating in a year-end Vaux Film Festival. School partners District 1199c Training & Upgrading Fund and PSTV will help maximize the potential and sustainability of the Maker Lab.

William H. Loesche Elementary School: “The Wonder of Biodiversity”

Loesche students will create a vibrant interior mural that celebrates biodiversity and environmental sustainability, specifically focused on the rainforest of Bioko, Equatorial Guinea. Cross-curricular multimedia activities will connect environmental science, literacy, and visual arts, culminating in the dedication of a beautiful new mural for the school.

For more great news, check out the 16 Picasso Projects currently underway–click HERE.

If you want to support the Picasso Project, the School District of Philadelphia’s largest arts-funding program, please GET INVOLVED.