As another school year comes to a close, we are reflecting not only on the creativity, resilience, and talent demonstrated by Baltimore City students and educators, but also on the powerful advocacy efforts that are shaping the future of arts education across our district.
This year marked an important milestone for arts education in Baltimore City with the adoption of a new fine arts policy by the Baltimore City Public Board of School Commissioners. The policy establishes a permanent Fine Arts Strategic Plan and formally recognizes the Baltimore Arts Education Initiative Advisory Committee — a critical step toward ensuring sustained, long-term commitment to equitable access to the arts for every student.
This achievement did not happen in isolation. It was made possible through the collective voices of teachers, students, families, school leaders, community partners, and advocates who continue to show up, speak out, and push for a stronger vision for arts education.
One of the most powerful moments this year came during Board of School Commissioners meetings, where students and parents shared testimony about the impact of arts education in their lives and schools. Their stories highlighted what we know to be true: arts education fosters belonging, confidence, self-expression, academic engagement, and opportunity. Their voices reminded decision-makers that arts learning is not an enrichment opportunity for a few students — it is an essential part of a well-rounded education for all young people.
This year, the Baltimore Youth Arts Advocacy Council continued to elevate youth voice and leadership in conversations about arts education access across Baltimore City. Through advocacy campaigns, public speaking opportunities, research, and community engagement, council members worked to increase awareness of inequities in arts education and champion the importance of ensuring all students have access to meaningful arts learning experiences. By sharing their perspectives with educators, policymakers, and community members, these young leaders helped strengthen the movement for equitable, student-centered arts education throughout the district.
Arts Every Day launched Baltimore Advocates for Arts Education to create a mobilized platform for parent and community voices in support of equitable arts education across Baltimore City Schools. The coalition organized social media campaigns, community events, and testimony at Board of School Commissioners meetings to raise awareness about arts education access and advocate for sustained investment in arts programming for all students. By elevating the perspectives of families and community members, the group helped strengthen public engagement and collective advocacy for the arts throughout the city.
This year also created space for deeper collaboration and collective visioning among Baltimore City fine arts educators. Through a series of fine arts visioning sessions co-facilitated by Arts Every Day and arts teachers, educators came together to identify priorities, share challenges, and imagine what strong, sustainable arts programs could look like across the district. These conversations elevated teacher expertise and reinforced the importance of including educators directly in shaping district-wide policy and practice.
Across these sessions, several themes emerged:
- the need for long-term investment in arts programs and staffing,
- equitable access to arts instruction across schools with schedules that allow for sequential instruction,
- dedicated instructional and performance spaces,
- stronger curriculum supports,
- and systems that recognize the arts as foundational to student learning and school culture.
As we celebrate the progress made this year, we also recognize that the work continues. Policy adoption is only the beginning. Meaningful implementation requires ongoing accountability, partnership, and investment. We must continue to listen to students and teachers, support school leaders, and to ensure that every child in Baltimore City has access to high-quality arts education throughout their school experience.
We are deeply grateful to the educators, students, families, advocates, district leaders, and community partners who contributed their time, expertise, and voices this year. Your advocacy is helping build a stronger future for arts education in Baltimore.
As we head into summer, we do so with renewed momentum and optimism for what is possible when a community comes together in support of the arts!
Stay tuned for Advocacy in Action Part 2: State of Maryland
