Art helps children learn, grow, and see the world in new ways. Music, theater, dance, and visual art can spark creativity, build confidence, and make learning more exciting. In Tennessee, a state organization works to make sure students and families can enjoy the arts.
The Tennessee Arts Commission supports the arts in communities across the state. Its goal is to make art and culture learning available to everyone, including children in public schools. The Commission offers grants and programs that help schools bring arts experiences to students during the school day.
One of these programs is the Student Ticket Subsidy (STS). This program helps public schools pay for arts experiences like field trips to museums, plays, concerts, and other performances. It can also help schools bring teaching artists into classrooms or cover transportation costs for students.
While schools apply for the funding, parents and caregivers play an important role in helping make these experiences happen.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
If you value art, art history, and creative learning for your child, here are a few simple steps to take you can take:
- Talk with your child's teacher, counselor, or school administrator about arts learning opportunities.
- Share information about the student ticket subsidy program and encourage the school to explore it.
- Ask how arts experiences fit into classroom learning, social studies, or history lessons.
- Support field trips or visiting artists by showing interest in asking how families can help.
Schools can learn more or apply by visiting the Student Ticket Subsidies (STS) page here.
When families, schools, and communities work together, students gain access to rich learning experiences that foster creativity and curiosity. Programs supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission help open doors to the arts and strengthen learning for children across Tennessee.