International Arts Education Week

The fourth week of May is International Arts Education Week! In 2011, UNESCO initiated this week of recognizing arts education as an essential component of personal, cultural, and community development. This year, it will be celebrated May 23–29, with the theme of Peace. On Monday, May 23, at 12 p.m. (local time, wherever you are), the World Alliance of Arts Education (WAAE) invites you to “Ring the Bells for Arts Education”—i.e., make some joyful noise with your instrument in support of arts education programs around the world. Record a short video or take a photo of your action and share it on social media, with the hashtags #BellsForArtsEd and #ArtsEdWeek. As teachers, community leaders, students, or audience members, we’ve all experienced the value of community arts—let’s take a moment to recognize outstanding programs in our communities. Throughout the week, WAAE will also host a series of free webinars on arts and peace education.