FY25-WAC-Impact-Report-FINAL - Report - Page 12
HOW THE ARTS CAN ...
Improve our Physical and Mental Fitness
Young people are experiencing unprecedented levels of sadness, hopelessness, and loneliness. The crisis is so
great that the U.S. Surgeon General warned us that these challenges have reached the level of epidemic. But
we’re not giving up. We firmly believe arts access can change the course for rising generations. Here’s how:
Field Trips
Storytelling and Creative Expression
A longitudinal study with the University of Arkansas
exploring the impact of arts-related field trips on a
young person’s life showed us that students who
attend multiple arts-focused field trips in a year
had greater tolerance for opposing viewpoints,
higher test scores, lower rates of absenteeism, and
a greater sense of hope about their futures. Each
year, we host more than 51,000 students on field
trips (many at no cost) that resonate with classes,
providing supplemental curriculum to deepen the
impact.
The Alliance’s Palefsky Collision Project assembles teens to “collide” with a text under professional and creative guidance, giving students the space
to explore traditional works through their unique
interpretations. The Atlanta Symphony Youth
Orchestra and Talent Development Program give
students an outlet to perform masterworks. And the
High’s Teen Team meets regularly to learn about
art, talk to artists, and tour the collection as an
outlet for creativity and exploration.
Mindfulness and Visual Art
Oasis offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace and community amid the High’s world-class art. Activations
include movement-based sessions led by local yoga instructors, soothing sonic experiences, and creative
art-making activities led by professional teaching artists, allowing attendees to engage in self-discovery through
activities designed to promote mental well-being.
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