The Power of Arts Advocacy: A Q+A with Jeff Robinson from the SC Arts Alliance

The Power of Arts Advocacy: A Q+A with Jeff Robinson from the SC Arts Alliance

Jeff Robinson, in a blue suit, speaks passionately at a podium with a laptop, gesturing with open hands. The backdrop showcases the South Carolina state seal and flag. An engaged audience listens intently as he discusses arts advocacy at the SC Arts Alliance event.

Advocating for the arts in education is more important than ever. Since 2022, ArtsNOW has partnered with Arts Grow SC and the South Carolina Arts Commission to bring arts-integrated learning to schools across South Carolina, impacting more than 10,090 students in the state. In this Q&A, Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Alliance Jeff Robinson shares his perspective on what we can do to ensure creative learning remains a priority.

With over a decade of experience as an arts educator and administrator, Jeff has dedicated his career to expanding access to arts education and supporting policies that empower students and teachers. His work has spanned from directing award-winning school music programs to shaping statewide arts initiatives through leadership roles at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, the SC Arts Alliance, and Palmetto State Arts Education. As a lifelong musician and advocate, he brings a unique perspective on the power of the arts to transform learning.

 

Q: From the band room to the boardroom: How has your journey as a music educator shaped the way you advocate for arts-integrated learning today?

Jeff: The SCAA's mission covers the whole creative sector, but I think I'm always at my strongest when I'm advocating for arts education. What's great is that arts education paves the way for all of the messages I bring about the entire industry -- whether we're talking about jobs, the creative economy, or even the role that creativity plays across other sectors. My journey as a music educator has proven to be very valuable because I can always advocate from a place of personal experience.

When I'm speaking with educators, I can establish a certain amount of trust because I've been in their shoes. When I advocate for arts-integrated learning, I talk about the joys and success that students experienced in the band room and say confidently that I want every teacher in every subject to have access to that kind of classroom experience. My wife is also a band director, so it still remains personal to me.

 

Q: In your work with the SC Arts Alliance and Palmetto State Arts Education, you’ve had a front-row seat to policy and advocacy efforts. What’s one misconception about arts education policy that you wish more educators and community leaders understood?

Jeff: As a topline issue, there is very little difference between "arts education policy" and "education policy" because a policy that impacts educators, schools, and classrooms will, by default, impact arts educators/education.

What I want to make sure educators and leaders understand is that most of the time, we're just advocating for the arts to be considered in policy decisions. If there are changes to the way the school day is structured, make sure there are no unintended outcomes for arts learning. When new funding streams are unlocked, be sure that the arts are specifically mentioned, so administrators know that they can (and should) use those funds for arts integration across the curriculum or to support arts programs and educators.

I used to talk to legislators a lot as a band director whenever there was a discussion about adding new testing requirements to make sure they knew the negative impact that "testing season" was having on my classroom environment or my ability to prepare for performances at the end of the year. It's really important that they hear all potential consequences, but especially from arts educators.

 

Q: If arts integration were a superhero, what problem would it be solving in education today, and how would it defeat the villain?

Jeff: Student engagement. The research on this is clear. Students who are more engaged in learning will experience better outcomes -- pick whatever measure you'd like. What's even better is that this is not new research. It's been demonstrated time and time again by those willing to try it.

The "villain" is definitely not the policymakers or the education leaders. It's the misconception that we tackle the deficiencies in our current education system, and then we can devote resources to the arts. But that's just not the case. We can tackle those issues through the arts. Arts integration works alongside math, science, English, and social studies standards, so we don't even have to take away from those in order to support arts learning.

So, how does the superhero defeat the villain? Dispel that misconception by creating opportunities for decision-makers to experience arts integration firsthand. Talk only goes so far because the power of the arts is meant to be experienced.

 

Q: If you could challenge every school leader to take one action this year to strengthen arts integration in their schools, what would it be—and why?

Jeff: Empower educators by giving them the space to try a different approach.

Send them to a professional learning opportunity. Invite them to collaborate with their colleagues (and with school leaders) by sharing what they've learned. Remove the many pressures that educators experience on a daily basis by allowing them to be creative in how they engage their students. This is how we move the needle.

 

Q: And finally, a fun one—your cat, Lucky, has a front-row seat to your work. If she could advocate for arts integration in schools, what would her argument be?

Jeff: I like to joke that Lucky is my co-worker when I'm working from home. She'll disappear for hours at a time, but whenever I log onto a Zoom call and she hears other voices, she comes running into the room and jumps on my lap. So Lucky understands that one of the most important goals for any type of advocacy is getting a seat at the table.

But more importantly, Lucky understands the importance of play. Cats are curious, and they learn about the world around them by indulging that curiosity, finding creative solutions to problems, and always finding time to play. The arts promote the joy in playful learning -- not as the opposite of work, but as an engaging, skills-based approach to discovery, creativity, and innovation.

 

Advocating for arts integration isn’t just about promoting the arts—it’s about reshaping education to better serve students. As Jeff Robinson emphasizes, engagement is the key to meaningful learning, and the arts provide a proven pathway to achieving it. By ensuring that the arts are considered in education policy, empowering teachers with the tools to integrate creative learning, and giving decision-makers firsthand experiences with arts integration, we can break down misconceptions and build a stronger, more effective education system. The arts aren’t an extra—they’re essential.

We are grateful to Jeff Robinson for sharing his insights and for his unwavering commitment to advancing arts education. To connect with Jeff and learn more about his work, you can reach out to him on LinkedIn and visit the SC Arts Alliance’s website here.

ArtsNOW Partners in $6 Million Federal Grant to Expand Arts-Integrated STEM Learning

ArtsNOW Partners in $6 Million Federal Grant to Expand Arts-Integrated STEM Learning

Nine adults, including men and women in business-casual attire, pose together on colorful, painted steps. The lively scene reflects ArtsNOW’s commitment to arts-integrated STEM learning and the impact of a recent federal grant.

ArtsNOW, an affiliate of national Young Audiences Arts for Learning, is proud to announce its role as a lead partner in a groundbreaking initiative funded by a five-year, $6 million grant from the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program through the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious award places ArtsNOW at the forefront of national efforts to enhance STEM education through arts integration.

The EIR Project will be implemented in collaboration with national Young Audiences and Young Audiences Louisiana, supporting three school districts across South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. The program will introduce customized, arts-integrated STEM curricula and intensive professional learning opportunities for teachers, fostering innovative teaching methods that make math and science more meaningful and engaging for students.

“Through this initiative, we have a unique opportunity to expand our impact and strengthen STEM learning by leveraging the power of the arts,” said Pamela Walker, President and CEO of ArtsNOW. “By combining research-based strategies with hands-on professional learning, we are equipping educators with the tools to transform their classrooms.”

A Transformational Approach to STEM Learning

Initially, the EIR Project will launch in two ArtsNOW leadership schools – Deer Chase Elementary School in Richmond County School System in Georgia and Ellen Woodside Elementary School in Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. Within these schools, lead teachers will receive intensive digital coaching and professional learning.

In year two, the initiative will expand to additional schools in each district as well as Jefferson Parish Schools in New Orleans in Louisiana, increasing the program’s reach and long-term sustainability.

ArtsNOW will provide expert professional learning and resources to Young Audiences Louisiana, helping them implement a high-quality model that aligns with ArtsNOW’s proven strategies. The ultimate goal is to replicate and refine the ArtsNOW approach in a new region, creating a scalable model for arts-integrated STEM education.

“This initiative is a testament to the power of the arts in transforming education,” said David Dik, Executive Director of Young Audiences Arts for Learning. “Through our affiliation with ArtsNOW and Young Audiences Louisiana, we are expanding access to high-quality arts-integrated STEM learning experiences, ensuring that more students can engage deeply with STEM concepts in a meaningful and creative way.”

National Recognition and Future Growth

This early-phase research grant is a significant milestone, positioning ArtsNOW for potential future expansion through mid-phase funding. A third-party evaluator will conduct the program’s evaluation to ensure a rigorous assessment of impact and effectiveness. Additionally, grant staff along with teacher leaders will develop crosswalks aligning math and science standards across K-5 curricula in South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana.

Educational Advancement through STEM Engagement is one of only 33 projects selected from 463 applicants—placing it among the top 8% of proposals nationwide. Other grant recipients include Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University Teachers College, the City of New York Board of Education, and the American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences.

 

About ArtsNOW

ArtsNOW is a leading provider of arts-integrated professional learning, equipping educators with innovative teaching strategies that enhance student engagement and achievement. As an affiliate of Young Audiences Arts for Learning, a national organization dedicated to inspiring young people and expanding their learning through the arts, ArtsNOW empowers schools to bring learning to life. Learn more at www.artsnowlearning.org.

ArtsNOW Partners with Georgia Tech CEISMC on Summer Camps

ArtsNOW Partners with Georgia Tech CEISMC on Summer Camps

Atlanta Summer Camps

Register now: https://expandedlearning.ceismc.gatech.edu/summer-peaks-registration

June 23rd - June 27th: Kandinsky and the Bot (4th-5th Grades)

In this exciting and innovative program, students will explore abstract art through technology and music. In partnership with ArtsNOW, students will use a programmable robot as their digital brush; they’ll create Kandinsky-inspired masterpieces with bold colors and geometric shapes. They’ll also compose music to guide their artwork, experimenting with sound, rhythm, and emotion to bring their robotic paintings to life.

July 7th - July 11th: Make It! Wear It!: Creating Wearable Fashion Through Technology (4th-5th Grades)

Get ready to elevate your fashion sense in this futuristic workshop on wearable electronics! In partnership with ArtsNOW, this week-long session will introduce students to the exciting world of wearable technology. Through hands-on activities like sewable circuits and visual art STEAM projects, students will explore how fashion and technology come together.  Join us and experience the cutting edge of fashion!

Savannah Summer Camps

Register now: https://savannah.ceismc.gatech.edu/summer-campus-programs

June 23-27, 2025: Wearable Tech: Create Your Own Futuristic Designs! (4th-5th Grades)

Step into a world where art meets technology! In this program, you'll bring your imagination to life by designing and building wearable creations like masks with glowing lights, vests with built-in speakers, armor with motion sensors, and accessories that react to sunlight. With tools like sewable LEDs, conductive paint, and sculptable clay, you’ll craft innovative, one-of-a-kind character pieces you can wear and show off. Let your creativity shine as you turn everyday materials into extraordinary tech-infused masterpieces!|

July 7-11, 2025: Interactive Sequential Art (4th-5th Grades)

Combine your interest in storytelling, drawing, and electronics to bring your comic book ideas to life! Sequential artist, the people behind your favorite comic books, combine their creative talents to bring super heroes to life and this program will put you in their shoes. Each participant will develop their own comic book, and through the use of simple circuits bring the pages to life with interactive lights, switches, and more! This program is being offered in partnership with ArtsNOW.

ArtsNOW Receives Grant from Norfolk Southern Corporation

ArtsNOW Receives Grant from Norfolk Southern Corporation

A collage of kids in a classroom using robots and tablets, a group photo of smiling children, and teachers interacting with students during an ArtsNOW hands-on STEM activity, recognized by the Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award.

ArtsNOW has received support from Norfolk Southern to expand access to high-quality, arts-integrated learning experiences for educators and students.

Funding from Norfolk Southern will support a range of professional learning opportunities, including customized digital coaching, curriculum design, hands-on workshops, and artist residencies. Educators will gain practical tools to integrate the arts into core content areas, empowering them to foster deeper learning and innovation in the classroom.

Additionally, Norfolk Southern employees are volunteering with ArtsNOW at our 2025 STEAM Summer Camps in Atlanta, hosted in conjunction with the Georgia Tech Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) Expanded Learning Programs. Through these efforts, Norfolk is helping ArtsNOW ensure that arts-integrated learning continues to spark creativity and inspire success in every student.

“We’re proud to work with Norfolk Southern to expand access to arts-integrated learning,” said ArtsNOW President & CEO Pamela Walker. “Together, we’re championing the kind of innovation that students and educators deserve.”

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, moving the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and community, Norfolk Southern connects customers to markets and communities to opportunity, delivering more than freight across its 22-state network.

That commitment to community is reflected in their support of ArtsNOW’s work. Arts integration isn’t just a learning approach; it’s the path toward a better future for students and educators. Norfolk Southern’s investment in ArtsNOW ensures that more students experience the kind of learning that prepares them for the future.

ArtsNOW Receives Grant from Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation

ArtsNOW Receives Grant from Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation

A collage of teachers and students engaged in various classroom activities, including crafting, group work, collaborative games, and interactive lessons in bright, welcoming school settings—celebrating ArtsNOW's 2025 WhatWorksSC Award.

ArtsNOW has been awarded a grant from Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation to strengthen leadership and sustainability in arts integration in South Carolina.

With the support from Milliken, ArtsNOW will work with educators and students across four Spartanburg County elementary schools.

  • Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary (K-6)
  • New Prospect Elementary (K-6)
  • Inman Elementary (K-3)
  • Cannons Elementary (K-5)

This project will include digital coaching sessions tailored to the unique needs of 24 teachers, with one teacher per grade level participating across all four schools. Additionally, each school will receive funding for arts integration supplies and for principals at each school to attend the 2026 Principals’ Network Conference. By refining their skills and receiving direct consultation, participating educators will become internal leaders, ensuring the long-term sustainability of arts-integrated teaching practices.

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader focused on materials science, creating products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. The Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation builds upon this mission by making a positive impact on communities keeping in line with their core values of integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people.

“This grant allows us to invest directly in the educators who make arts integration sustainable in classrooms,” said ArtsNOW President & CEO Pamela Walker. “By equipping them with tailored coaching, essential materials, and leadership opportunities, we’re not just enhancing instruction—we’re building a culture of innovation that lasts.”

The initiative aligns with both organizations’ shared belief that creative thinking and strong leadership are essential to preparing young minds for the future. Through this partnership, ArtsNOW and the Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation are helping to ensure that every student has access to deeper learning through the arts.