Santa Clarita Regional Strategic Arts Education Plan
Shaping the Future of Arts Education in Santa Clarita
The Santa Clarita Regional Strategic Arts Education Plan (2022–2026) is more than a document—it's a vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving arts community in our city. Created in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, this plan lays out a clear roadmap for advancing arts education, empowering local creatives, and ensuring everyone in Santa Clarita has access to the transformative power of the arts.
What's the Plan?
To drive meaningful progress, key focus and goal areas have been established to guide the implementation of the regional plan. hese areas are not standalone efforts but interconnected components of a dynamic system, working together to advance the region’s vision and guiding principles. By addressing challenges holistically, this approach ensures sustainable growth, resilience, and positive impact across communities.
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Phase I
Focused on developing infrastructure and leadership while aligning key programs, such as the Santa Clarita Youth Arts Showcase, with strategic goals. This phase emphasized engaging schools and securing initial funding through grants and scholarships.
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(2022-2023)
Infrastructure & Sustainability
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Establish leadership with a City staff liaison and advisory board.
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Secure grants and launch a scholarship program.
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Engage schools and City Council for support.
Programming & Professional Development
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Create a K-12+ Career Pathways curriculum.
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Align the Youth Arts Showcase with strategic goals.
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Offer training for teachers and artists.
Diverse & Inclusive Community
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Develop after-school arts programs integrating social-emotional learning (SEL).
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Recruit diverse leaders and culturally responsive artists
Phase II
Expands efforts with additional partnerships, long-term funding solutions, and new community-focused projects like a potential arts center, annual summits, and mobile arts experiences.
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(2024-2026)
Infrastructure & Sustainability
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Secure long-term funding from the City, County, and businesses.
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Advocate for a community arts center.
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Expand arts education in K-12 schools and partner with colleges.
Programming & Professional Development
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Establish career pathways and internships for students.
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Revive programs like “Art on Main Street.”
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Host an annual Arts Education Summit.
Diverse & Inclusive Community
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Create civic art projects like murals and mobile arts programs.
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Ensure accessibility with adaptive arts and diverse events.
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Engage youth with dedicated art-making spaces.
Arts Education Advocacy Toolkit
Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or local arts enthusiast, your involvement is essential in ensuring that arts education remains a priority in our schools and community.
Push for more arts in schools.
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Advocate for more arts electives and after-school programs to be incorporated into local schools’ curriculum.
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Partner with educators to integrate arts into STEM and other core subjects, emphasizing its role in creative problem-solving and innovation.
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Push for expanded arts education in K-12 schools and partnerships with local colleges.
1. Volunteer & Support Local Arts Programs
Get involved and support arts initiatives.
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Sign up as a mentor or volunteer for youth arts initiatives, such as after-school programs, summer camps, or arts mentorships.
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Assist with community art projects, such as murals, public installations, and theater productions to bring visibility to arts education.
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Advocate for after-school arts programs that create career pathways for young creatives.
2. Encourage Schools to Expand Arts Offerings
3. Support Local Artists & Arts Organizations
Show appreciation for local creativity.
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Attend local art exhibits, theater performances, and concerts to show appreciation for the arts.
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Purchase from and commission work from local artists, helping sustain their practice while fostering a vibrant arts economy.
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Back public art projects such as murals, mobile art programs, and interactive youth initiatives.
4. Engage Business Leaders in the Arts
Encourage businesses to invest in arts.
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Encourage local businesses to sponsor student arts programs, internships, and community-based arts initiatives.
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Advocate for public-private partnerships to fund arts infrastructure projects, such as arts centers and creative hubs.​
5. Champion Equitable Access to the Arts
Support inclusive and accessible arts programs.
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Support initiatives that provide arts education to underserved communities, ensuring every child has access to creative learning experiences.
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Promote programs that ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, advocating for inclusive arts spaces and adaptive learning opportunities.
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Promote adaptive arts programming and diverse, culturally responsive leadership.
WHAT IS PROP 28?
The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act.
Proposition 28, approved by California voters on November 8, 2022, establishes the Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act, providing ongoing annual funding to support arts and music education in K-12 public and charter schools.
Funding Source
Allocates 1% of Proposition 98 funding from the previous fiscal year, specifically for arts education.
Usage Requirements
Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) must allocate 80% of funds to hire arts education staff, 20% for training and materials, and keep administrative costs under 1%.
Equitable Distribution
Funding is allocated with 70% based on prior year enrollment and 30% based on the percentage of low-income students.
Accountability
LEAs must submit annual reports detailing fund usage and post them online. Funds must enhance, not replace, existing arts education programs.
Prop 28 Advocacy Toolkit
You play a vital role by checking school funding allocations, requesting expenditure plans, collaborating on programming, and reviewing annual reports to ensure funds are used effectively for arts education.
Help Schools Reflect Student Interests
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Encourage Surveys: Ask schools to gather student input through surveys or other tools to ensure arts programs align with student needs and preferences
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Advocate as a Parent: Work with school administrators to ensure your child’s artistic interests are represented
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Engage in Planning: Participate in discussions about arts programming to help shape meaningful opportunities for all students
1. Advocate for District-Wide Arts Plans
Encourage the school districts to:
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Prioritize hiring arts educators
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Expand arts programs at elementary, middle, and high school levels
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Ensure alignment with Prop 28 goals to support long-term program sustainability
2. Help Schools Gather Student Input
3. Connect Schools with Local Artists
Encourage your school to visit Santa Clarita Arts' Creative Directory and work with local artists and organizations to:
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Provide workshops and field trips
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Support classroom instruction with professional expertise
4. Promote Teacher Training Opportunities
Advocate for teachers to access credentialing programs at CSUN or CalArts and participate in professional development opportunities
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5. Advocate for Facility Improvements
Upgrade district arts facilities
Request that your school use Prop 28 funds to upgrade arts spaces and equipment, creating innovative environments for student creativity
