Arts Schools Network

Arts Schools Network

Dedicated to excellence and leadership in arts education, the not-for-profit Arts Schools Network (ASN), founded in 1981, is a dynamic resource for arts schools leaders, innovative partners, and members of arts education institutions. The organization's online communications, varied programs, and in-person gatherings offer inspiration, insight, advocacy, and support to its members. ASN also actively promotes and supports the development of new arts schools, facilities, and programs.

Mission

ASN’s mission is to promote excellence in arts education by inspiring and serving arts leaders, institutions and organizations. Its most important priorities are to provide meaningful services to its membership and foster collaboration between its member schools and the arts community. ASN strives to enhance support of arts schools leaders in the areas of: best practices, college and career planning, elementary and middle schools of the arts, and leadership.

Programs

On Your Way: Created in partnership with ArtsApp, the On Your Way student recognition program helps students on their way to success by enhancing their portfolios and auditioning skills as it promotes migrating portfolios to a standard, online digital format for auditions, admissions, and competitions. Students enrolled in ASN member schools in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply for this recognition.

One for All: A dynamic video series produced by – and for – ASN member schools and students, presenting content ranging from master classes and interviews with successful alumni to tours of facilities and professional arts venues. The videos also exercise and display student skills in theater and filmmaking, as well as showcase the member schools.

Assessing Your School: The Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS) was established in 2001 by the Council of Arts Accrediting Associations to assess and accredit schools such as those that belong to ASN. ACCPAS and ASN have collaboratively developed A Guide to Assessing Your Arts School to help arts schools assess their mission, operations, and programs and serve as an introduction to the accreditation process.

Exemplary Schools: ASN designates member schools that demonstrate excellence in their pursuit of continuing improvement as Exemplary Schools. These schools serve as models of best practices in arts education. The designation furthers a school's efforts, whether working to secure funding sources, establishing new partnerships, or increasing awareness, as it brings recognition of excellence.

Awards and Recognition: ASN presents ten awards annually to schools, arts organizations, research projects, school administrators, and teachers to highlight distinction in its member schools and organizations.

Conference: ASN’s annual conference is the highlight of the organization's year and the major vehicle for its programs. Conferences offer rich content including school site visits, cultural field studies, member best practices discussions, workshops, and activities. Each conference is a dynamic learning and social event that offers opportunities to meet other professionals, learn from arts education experts, address timely issues, and get technical advice.