Engage with Us

Partners in the Arts has been training teachers and connecting schools with teaching artists and community partners since 1994. We seek to engage students, teachers, school leaders, artists and communities in partnerships focused on the strengths of integrated learning and teaching.

Below are some ways that different audiences can engage with PIA to provide creative learning opportunities for students throughout the Richmond region.

Students & Educators: Building Dynamic Partnerships

Partners in the Arts (PIA) trains educators to integrate community and culture into K-12 curricula through the arts and technology. Workshops, courses, coaching, and in-school project implementation support provide a scaffolded framework of professional learning and practice for educators of all subjects.

PIA provides the training and support for educators to tap into the diverse expertise and resources of their communities and rigorously plan, implement, and assess creative and integrated instructional units.

Teacher-leaders trained by PIA have gone on to lead sustaining professional development sessions with their school colleagues and have developed school-wide projects that transform the culture of their schools.

For community members, undergraduate, or graduate students, PIA offers year-round internship opportunities, including summer institute support, and independent study or fellowships. Complete the internship application form or contact pia@richmond.edu for intern and research inquiries.

Community Expertise: Engaging Backyard Opportunities

Partners in the Arts connects schools with teaching artists, community organizations and groups, institutions, and experts across the arts, humanities, sciences, and trades. We do this by providing teachers and community partners with the training and support necessary to undertake integrated and collaborative instruction and projects with their students.

These powerful collaborations engage the Richmond area’s dynamic expertise in the fields of and the region’s strong public and independent schools — an ideal setting for establishing deep learning opportunities through integrated teaching and learning.

The program welcomes inquiries from individuals, organizations, and institutions interested in:

  • Developing relevant, integrated programs
  • Becoming a visiting or resident artist/expert in a school-based project
  • Teaching workshops for educators and/or students

Use the contact form on this page or email pia@richmond.edu to get in touch with us.

Community Stakeholders: Creating Needed Talent

For nearly 30 years, Partners in the Arts has been supported by individuals and businesses who agree that developing creative thinking is the key to creating a better workforce.

Integrated learning promotes creative problem solving, develops higher-order thinking skills, and enables students with varied learning styles to acquire knowledge and skills in engaging way – benefits that prove critical for businesses.

Our capacity to implement the arts into all K-12 subjects depends on the generosity of those who are willing to invest in tomorrow’s creative leaders and thinkers.

Achieving our vision for the region’s students and educators means the following:

  • Contributing field expertise and insights
  • Sponsoring programs at the Joan Oates Institute
  • Supporting classroom materials and technology needs
  • Providing scholarships for educators
  • Expanding outreach to area schools

For more information about our programs and tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities, please email pia@richmond.edu.