Early Learning through the Arts, from the very Start

Arts START is ArtsNOW’s early learning initiative. Arts-integrated experiences build early literacy, strengthen foundational skills, and nurture a love of learning.

With support from Arts Grow SC with the South Carolina Arts Commission, ArtsNOW piloted Arts START in two South Carolina schools during the spring of 2026. The initiative will continue to expand as we build on early success.

Arts START launched with a focus on visual arts as a strong foundation for early learning. Over time, the initiative will expand to include multiple art forms, building a comprehensive approach to arts-integrated early childhood education.

What is Arts START?

Arts START connects early learning and arts integration in ways that feel natural and developmentally appropriate. The arts are not treated as an extra. They are used as a pathway for learning.

Young children already engage with the arts every day. They build, sing, draw, move, and explore. They notice patterns, textures, and sounds. They express ideas and make meaning through creative experiences.

Arts START builds on these instinctive behaviors and turns them into powerful learning opportunities.

Why The Arts Matter in Early Learning

Young children do not separate learning into subjects. They learn by doing, moving, speaking, listening, playing, and creating. The arts align naturally with how they learn.

Through the arts, children:

  • Strengthen observation and fine motor skills through visual arts
  • Build language and early literacy skills through song, storytelling, and drawing
  • Develop coordination and expression through movement
  • Grow vocabulary, confidence, and communication through dramatic play

These experiences support early literacy in ways that are active, meaningful, and engaging. The early years shape how children see themselves as learners. Arts START helps build essential skills while fostering the curiosity and creativity that define early childhood.

How Arts START Supports Learning

Arts START helps young children:

  • Build early literacy through rhythm, language, and visual expression
  • Strengthen communication and vocabulary
  • Develop fine and gross motor skills
  • Explore patterns, shapes, and sequencing
  • Grow confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving

 

It also supports educators by providing arts-integrated strategies that fit into everyday instruction.

Now Hiring: Arts START Artists

Teaching artists are central to Arts START. They bring the model to life by working directly with both students and educators in early learning classrooms. During each engagement, teaching artists:

  • Deliver professional learning for teachers
  • Model arts-integrated strategies through multi-day residencies with students
  • Support teachers in applying those strategies in their own instruction

 

This approach builds lasting classroom impact, not just one-time experiences.

It also supports educators by providing arts-integrated strategies that fit into everyday instruction.

About The Role

Arts START teaching artists lead arts-integrated learning experiences for young children while partnering with teachers to strengthen instruction and build confidence in using the arts. This role focuses on both student learning and teacher support.

ArtsNOW is currently recruiting teaching artists with a background in visual arts for the rollout of Arts START. As the initiative expands, additional opportunities will be available across other art forms.

Ideal Background

  • Background in visual arts, formal or informal
  • Experience designing art projects or lessons for young children
  • Experience working with children ages 3 to 7
  • Background in arts integration preferred
  • Interest in working in school settings

Key Qualities

  • Process-focused rather than product-driven
  • Skilled at encouraging student voice and choice
  • Committed to building teacher capacity, not just student outcomes
  • Collaborative when working alongside teachers
  • Interested in coaching or supporting adult learners
  • Strong communicators with both children and adults
  • Organized, proactive, and able to manage responsibilities

Requirements

  • Ability to teach 3 to 5 consecutive days
  • Ability to travel throughout Georgia and South Carolina
  • Able to manage young children during activities

Training and Next Steps

To ensure a high-quality experience, all teaching artists must complete Arts START training before leading residencies. Training will be offered in August 2026 and will focus on the foundations of literacy, early childhood development, and arts-integration strategies for children in the preschool setting. Interested teaching artists should complete the interest form to receive training dates and registration details.

Dates:
Three full days of learning August 18 – 20, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina

Registration is free. If selected, training stipends may be available.

Sign Up Here!