Inquiry Paper Abstract

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to discover the relationships between urban communities, the arts, and public education. The focus of our study was the community located within ten city blocks of Newark, NJ. Over the course of six weeks we collected qualitative data through research, observation, and interviews of community members, teachers, and students. Analysis revealed that the street art and local arts sites in Newark directly mirror the culture and current trends of the community. Data revealed that arts education is an important trait of the community and is reflected in the public schools, teachers, students, and local performances. There is an economic disconnect, however, between the parental community and the arts. This study and analysis is important because communities largely impact the local arts and education systems, and arts education is crucial for cognitive development in children.

Summary of what I've learned:

Newark seems to generally be moving in the right direction with regard to the arts, public education, and community involvement. There are examples of advertisement street art that are representative of the culture and current trends of the community. Affordable art sites open to the public is plentiful, but community economic issues seem to create a disconnect between the locals and these arts sites. Public schools have positive connections between school performances and the community. Performances generally have significant turnouts of students’ families, but performances at the Arts High School are plentiful resulting, again, in economic issues.

The supportive relationship between parents and their children can make or break students’ futures regarding the arts, so the school administrations must raise student and parental awareness for future art careers. For example, more partnerships to universities, field trips to local museums, and artist guest speakers will help raise understanding. These experiences should include the school, students, and parents. Lastly, instructors need to be supported to teach outside of the box by integrating the arts when appropriate to foster high-level thinking. When connections are made from classroom content, to the arts, and to the outside world, students begin to see the big picture and relate material to their personal lives.