We are thrilled to feature Creative Nomads’ Where Art Starts initiative in this year’s Arts and Cultural Spotlight series! Where Art Starts utilizes a diverse range of arts and cultural programs to engage students, families, and communities in creative expression. From hands-on crafting to African drumming, these workshops allow participants to explore the rich connections between art, culture, and education. Students can develop new skills and expand their cultural awareness while embracing the joy of creating art. Educators can discover these engaging workshops and more from Creative Nomads in our Art Directory. Today, we are shining a spotlight on the vibrant Where Art Starts program!
What can educators expect from Where Art Starts?
Where Art Starts is an initiative by Creative Nomads that provides a range of arts and cultural programs aimed at engaging students, parents, and families through creative expression. These programs foster a connection between art, music, culture, and education, while helping participants develop key skills and broaden their cultural understanding.
Our programs include:
- Culture + Craft: Art workshops that blend crafting with cultural education. Activities include various types of crafts, while students explore traditions from around the world.
- Family Paint: A collaborative event that brings families together for a fun and creative painting workshop.
- Youth Yoga: A mindfulness program that teaches students yoga techniques to support physical and mental well-being.
- Dance + Movement: An engaging program that teaches students different forms of dance and encourages creative movement.
- Mindfulness with Mom: A women-focused program offering mindfulness practices and art activities like vision boards and sugar scrubs to strengthen emotional connections.
- African Drumming & Drumming with Dad: Interactive African drumming sessions where students and families explore rhythms from African traditions. Drumming with Dad is a special father-child experience to bond through music.
All programs can be tailored to suit your school’s needs, with flexible scheduling options and professional instructors. Whether through single workshops or multi-session programs, Where Art Starts brings arts education to life in a fun and accessible way.
How is this program an arts integration lesson?
Where Art Starts integrates arts with academics and social-emotional learning. For example, Culture + Craft connects art with cultural studies, while mindfulness activities like yoga support emotional regulation. Each session reinforces creativity, critical thinking, and communication.
Why should teachers and students be excited about Where Art Starts?
Where Art Starts brings a unique blend of creativity and cultural awareness to the classroom. Students will explore new artistic skills while learning about global cultures and social-emotional well-being. Whether it’s creating a personal art piece in a Culture + Craft workshop, dancing in a movement session, or drumming with family members, these programs empower students to express themselves and connect with others. The flexibility of the programs makes them accessible and adaptable for any school’s needs.
Anything else teachers should know about Where Art Starts?
Creative Nomads does its best to ensure that Where Art Starts is accessible to all. We provide flexible scheduling and are open to customizing programs based on specific school goals or themes.
Learn more about Creative Nomad’s programs on their website!
Don’t forget–for SY24/25, all Baltimore City Schools are able to apply for up to $2,500 in funding support for school-day arts experiences booked through AED’s Arts Directory, including Where Art Starts!