Art in Action is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching children’s education through engaging and accessible visual arts programs. Founded in 1982, Art in Action was created in response to the growing decline of arts education in schools. Its mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of art, regardless of their background or resources.
Art in Action empowers students from kindergarten through eighth grade by fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and cultural awareness. Its vision is to make art a fundamental part of every child’s education, building the creative confidence and visual literacy students need to succeed in today’s world.
The program offers a comprehensive, sequential curriculum that includes twelve age-appropriate lessons per grade level. Each lesson is designed to build artistic skills over time while exposing students to a wide range of artists, cultures, and techniques. The curriculum follows a four-part structure:
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Looking at Art – Students learn to observe and analyze masterworks of art.
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Learning About Art – Lessons explore techniques, concepts, history, and culture.
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Creating Art – Students apply what they’ve learned in hands-on art projects.
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Sharing Art – Students reflect on and present their artwork to peers and educators.
Art in Action is designed for maximum flexibility. It can be taught by classroom teachers, art specialists, or trained parent volunteers, making it suitable for traditional classrooms, after-school programs, and homeschool environments. The program includes ready-to-use lesson plans, teaching aids, videos, and classroom management tools that support educators with or without a background in art.
Since its founding, Art in Action has reached more than 90,000 students in over 250 schools, including many Title I schools serving low-income communities. The program not only enhances students’ artistic abilities but also supports academic achievement, boosts confidence, and promotes cultural appreciation.
By making art an essential part of education, Art in Action helps students find their voice, build empathy, and develop lifelong creative skills — equipping them for success in school and beyond.
