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ArtPlay For Schools

ArtPlay for Schools by UAB Center for the Arts featuring arts education, music, dance, and theater programs for K-12 students in Alabama.

Arts-Integrated Experiences that Move Learning Forward

ArtPlay for Schools connects K–12 students and educators to world-class arts experiences through UAB’s Center for the Arts. Our programs support curriculum goals, reduce access barriers, and strengthen teaching and learning through meaningful arts integration.

ArtPlay helps schools meet academic goals while inspiring creativity, confidence, and connection.

What Schools Gain:

Standards Aligned Experiences

All programs support Alabama Arts Education Standards and strengthen learning across ELA, Social Studies, STEM, and Social Emotional Learning.

Equitable Access to the Arts

Most field trip experiences are free, with bus reimbursement available, ensuring every school can participate.

Flexible Delivery Models

Choose on-campus field trips, in-school programs, professional development, or after-school enrichment.

Minimal Administrative Burden

Turnkey scheduling, curriculum connections, and educator support resources included.

Programs at a Glance

Grades K-12

Live arts experiences that connect directly to classroom learning.

  • Free, standards-aligned field trips to the Alys Stephens Center and/or AEIVA
  • Bus reimbursement available to reduce access barriers
  • Optional study guides and pre/post visit learning connections.

Best for…
Schools seeking high-impact cultural experiences that reinforce instruction without adding financial or logistical burden.

✔ Standards-aligned
✔ No performance fees
✔ Transportation assistance available
✔ Turnkey scheduling support

Program Offerings (as of May 27, 2026):

Register for more information

Grades 3-12

One full day of performance, visual art, and creative exploration—designed for deep learning and and lasting impact.

  • Multi-site experience across the Alys Stephens Center, ArtPlay, AEIVA, and Arts in Medicine
  • Meets and exceeds Alabama Arts Education Standards
  • Structured schedule that balances academic rigor with meaningful engagement

Best for…
Schools looking for a comprehensive arts experience that supports multiple subject areas in a single visit.

✔ Standards-aligned
✔ No performance fees
✔ Transportation assistance available
✔ Turnkey scheduling support

Register for more information

Grades 3-12

Curriculum-aligned gallery experiences at the UAB Abroms-Engel Institute for Visual Arts that connect visual art to what students are already studying.

  • Guided tours aligned with exhibition content and grade-level curriculum
  • Supports ELA, Social Studies, History, and Visual Arts instruction
  • Flexible for elementary, middle, and high school learners

Best for…
Schools looking for a comprehensive arts experience that supports multiple subject areas in a single visit.

✔ Standards-aligned
✔ No performance fees
✔ Transportation assistance available
✔ Turnkey scheduling support

Register for more information

Grades K-12

Standards-aligned arts learning delivered directly to your campus—designed to deepen instruction and expand access.

✔ Teaching artists collaborate with educators to integrate the arts into daily learning
✔ Flexible formats: single performances, multi-day residencies, or extended engagements
✔ Eliminates transportation and scheduling barriers

Best for…
Schools seeking sustained arts integration or school-wide arts access without leaving campus.

✔ Standards-aligned
✔ No performance fees
✔ No school transportation required
✔ Turnkey scheduling support

Program Offerings ( as of May 27, 2026):

  • September, TBD: ArtPlay In-School Residency – Sharrif Simmons’ Page to Stage – Location TBD
  • September 17, TBD: ArtPlay In-School Performance – Zydeco for Kids with Terrance Simien – Location TBD
  • November 12, TBD: ArtPlay In-School Performance – Young Concert Artists: Wang/Trionfo – Location TBD
  • February, TBD: ArtPlay In-School Residency – Sharrif Simmons’ Page to Stage – Location TBD
  • February 4, TBD: ArtPlay In-School Performance – Young Concert Artists: Chaeyoung Park – Location TBD
  • February 22-26, TBD: ArtPlay In-School Performance – Eric Essix Group with Tracy Hamlin: “Dedication” – Locations TBD

Register for more information

Aligned with Kennedy Center Partners in Education
Professional learning that strengthens instruction across subjects through proven arts integration strategies.

  • Guided by national best practices from the Kennedy Center
  • Supports interdisciplinary teaching, student engagement, and instructional rigor
  • Provides practical tools teachers can use

Best for…
Schools and districts investing in teacher capacity, engagement, and cross-curricular learning.

✔ Available at your site or at ArtPlay
✔ Standards-aligned
✔ Turnkey scheduling support

Register for more information

ArtPlay School Day, After-School & Virtual Learning

Grades PK-12

Creative learning opportunities that extend arts engagement beyond the traditional school day.

  • During school and after-school satellite classes hosted directly on school campuses
  • Supports enrichment, creative youth development, and expanded access
  • Virtual library offers on-demand lesson plans, study guides, and artist resources

Best for…
Schools looking to enhance enrichment programming or provide flexible arts resources for educators and students.

✔ Standards-aligned
✔ No school transportation required
✔ Turnkey scheduling support

Register for more information

Why Schools Choose ArtPlay:

✔ Standards aligned instruction
✔ Equity focused access and transportation support
✔ Flexible formats for different school needs
✔ Turnkey planning and educator support
✔ Trusted partnerships with UAB and national arts institutions

Ready to Schedule an ArtPlay for Schools Educational Program?

Whether you’re planning a field trip, seeking professional development, or expanding arts access on campus, ArtPlay for Schools offers flexible, standards-aligned options for every learning community that support learning, creativity, and equity. Programs fill quickly. Schools are encouraged to plan early.

Step 1: Explore Programs

Review program descriptions, grade bands, and delivery formats.

Step 2: Submit Interest Form

Complete the online form to indicate preferred programs, dates, and group size.

Step 3: Scheduling & Confirmation

ArtPlay staff coordinates logistics, curriculum connections, and transportation support.

Step 4: Prepare & Experience

Receive study guides and educator resources before your experience.

Register for more information

Connect your students to the arts.

For more information about ArtPlay for Schools, call ArtPlay at 205 975 4769 or email ArtPlayK12@uab.edu

Additional Resources:

THANK YOU TO THE LOYAL DONORS AND SPONSORS OF UAB ARTPLAY

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