We envision a future where all young Canadians are enabled to reach their full potential as creative and confident participants in the cultural, social and economic life of the 21st century.
ArtsSmarts was founded by the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation in 1998. Initially there were 7 community partners including Nova Scotia, which had an ArtsSmarts program called Arts Infusion. Today, across Canada there is an extensive network of partners from every province, a National Secretariat, and thousands of artists, teachers, students and community members involved in this important arts and learning initiative.
ArtsSmarts has proven to be a successful model of collaboration among artists, teachers, students and communities. It values the sharing of expertise and experiences of artists and teachers in the design and delivery of programs that approach non-arts subjects through the arts. There has been a diverse array of ArtsSmarts Nova Scotia projects in schools over the past ten years. These projects, selected for funding through a jury process, have demonstrated the positive impact of art-infused education in engaging young people in their learning.
We would like to congratulate all of the students, educators, artists and communities involved in ArtsSmarts projects. We also extend our gratitude to the consortium of partners who have helped ensure the future growth of this worthwhile and inspiring program. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia looks forward to its continued involvement in building further capacity in local communities.
NOVA SCOTIA PARTNERS
- Nova Scotia Department of Education
- Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage
- Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs
- NSCAD University
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Western Branch
