Department of Arts

Dance • Theatre • Visual Arts

OUR MISSION

The Buffalo Public Schools Department of Arts will cultivate in our students a life-long love, respect, and appreciation for Dance, Theatre, and the Visual Arts in all its forms by providing all students with a rigorous and culturally responsive arts program that is aligned to New York State Arts Standards, the Buffalo Public Schools curriculum, and Common Core Learning Standards. As a result, Dance, Theatre, and Visual Arts will become an integral and relevant part of the successes and achievements of all our students.

OUR VISION

The Buffalo Public Schools Department of Arts will be distinguished by its focus on educating diverse students in Dance, Theatre, and Visual Arts with integrity, professionalism, respect, cultural understanding, and community leadership. To this end, students, families, and community stakeholders will view the arts as an essential element of the holistic education of all children and advocate for the delivery of highly effective arts instruction and arts programming in all our schools.

OUR CORE VALUES

We believe in the transformational power of arts education serving as the foundation for the lifelong pursuit of personal and professional goals. This will be provided through educational experiences that embody: artistic growth; creative and critical thinking; community outreach; relationship building; cultural awareness; issues of social justice; collaborative and independent work opportunities; mindfulness and wellbeing; and always compassion.