MADISON — In celebration of Music, Art, Dance, and Theatre in Our Schools Month, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is proud to announce the launch of high-quality music, lesson plans, and materials developed by Wisconsin artists and educators. These free resources are designed to inspire creativity and engage students across the state.
The Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project’s intentional integration of poetry, spoken word, music, dance, theater, visual and media art underscores the principle that creativity and curiosity are vital human capacities that must be nurtured in students and communities alike.
“The Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project continues to inspire and empower students across our state,” State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. “The resources that have been curated spark curiosity and give students the chance to explore and create in new, exciting ways. This initiative is all about showing the power of art to inspire. It’s through those experiences that we help shape the next generation of artists, innovators, and thinkers.”
This year’s WACP offers an exciting collection of commissioned works and educational materials, including a poem by former Wisconsin Poet Laureate Kimberly Blaeser, titled “Cabinet of Curiosity.” The poem invites students to explore the wonders of observation and discovery through art. In addition, a wide variety of comprehensive lesson plans — created by Wisconsin arts educators — are available for K-12 students, offering valuable learning opportunities in every artistic discipline.
Another feature of this year’s project is a musical composition based on the poem and theme by nationally renowned composer Andrew Boysen Jr. The music, premiered and recorded by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble, is being made available for free to Wisconsin schools, libraries and communities.
The WACP also includes a variety of visual art resources, showcasing student creations from elementary through high school levels, with contributions representing a diverse range of Wisconsin communities. Through this initiative, the DPI and the Wisconsin Arts Board continue their commitment to fostering the next generation of creators by providing accessible, high-quality resources for all students.
For more information on the Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project and to access the available resources, visit the DPI’s website.
