Below are highlights from successful models for building capacities of the imagination that lead to innovation through an education in and through the arts. Each of the initiatives is successfully engaging all levels of leadership and mobilizing public support for a new vision of education that will put imagination at the core of learning in all subjects taught in the schools.

Dallas Arts Learning Initiative
www.dallasartslearning.org

The Dallas Arts Learning Initiative, a partnership between the City of Dallas, the Dallas Independent School District, numerous cultural partners and Big Thought, is focused on implementing a creative learning curriculum in schools and communities that will help to shape imagination skills and lead to an innovative workforce. The initiative includes additional art and music teachers in the public schools, teaching artists that integrate arts learning into the school curriculum, and a community-based component that partners with existing arts programs and brings together organizations to develop new partnerships and programs to meet neighborhood needs. “Organizations around Dallas have positively responded by incorporating creative learning as an important part of a well rounded curriculum,” said Gigi Antoni, CEO/President of Big Thought the managing partner of the initiative. “This consortium of leaders in business, government, and academic fields is working to engage students at all levels and implement programs that will help ensure a strong, innovative workforce for our future.”

Ohio Department of Education
Committee on the Arts and Innovative Thinking
www.ode.state.oh.us

In Ohio, the emphasis will be on the role of the arts within STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) schools and programs at the K-8, high school, and university levels. “Our mission is to institute statewide education restructuring through international benchmarking, extend the arts in our schools, and use the STEM initiatives to foster imagination and innovation across disciplines in every level of our educational system,” said Susan Tave Zelman, superintendent of public instruction. “Arts learning frees students to think imaginatively and reach beyond their own capabilities to be the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs of the 21st century.” Zelman established a statewide Committee on Arts and Innovative Thinking under the Ohio Department of Education to ensure a secure position for the arts within Ohio’s educational system.

Oklahoma Creativity Project
www.stateofcreativity.com

"We understand that developing the imagination will benefit the workforce in every industry in the state. We need workers and citizens who are resourceful, ingenious, and well-rounded," said Phil Moss, Executive Director of Creative Oklahoma, Inc., a statewide effort to promote creativity and innovation, featuring connections with business and community leaders who support a more creative workforce leading to innovation. "A more imaginative, interdisciplinary education will help nurture the creative capacities in every learner."