MAAE

Mission  •  Vision  •  Arts Integration  • Diversity •  Artistic Freedom • Research  • Celebration • Bylaws

MISSION

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education supports, promotes, and advocates for fine arts education for the benefit of ALL Missourians. 

VISION

We envision high quality fine arts education in all Missouri schools, ensuring that every student discovers and develops their fullest potential.
Every School  • Every Child  •  Every Day  

Tap each area below to learn more about MAAE's Statements

DIVERSITY

Everyone suffers in an environment of systemic racism and bias. 

Through the work of the  MAAE Committee on Racism, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity - MAAE pledges to:

>Learn more about our work here.

A FOCUS on ARTS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

MAAE is working to promote engagement in the arts across the curriculum. The Alliance encourages and faciliatates collaboration among certified arts and non-arts educators,  professional artists and/or teaching artists.  Whether enhancing lessons through incorporation of the arts, or Arts integration, where students engage in a creative process which connects arts and non-arts subject areas to meet evolving objectives in both subjects, Involving the arts across the curriculum enriches teaching and learning.

MAAE wants to expand and transform the roles of the arts educator to become active participants and instructional leaders in STEAM and arts integration for all subjects, while simultaneously preserving arts education as an area of study worthwhile for it's own sake as a valued discipline of skill growth and academic study. 

We promote this, have our cake and eat it too approach because we know through research evidence and in our hearts that students participating in an arts centered education will grow emotionally, socially and academically. The arts are uniquely positioned to be at the pivot point of learning and understanding across all areas of the curriculum.  

>learn more here.

Artistic Freedom

Freedom of speech and of the press is stated and upheld as a right in the U.S. Constitution. The freedom to create and to experience works of art is essential for democracy.  Freedom of artistic expression, both verbal and non-verbal, in the arts must be preserved. 

The suppression of works of art, which authorities or administrations deem “controversial” or “objectionable,” infringes on the rights of the artist and the audience. It is an individual’s right to create, view, and accept or reject any work of art. When artistic expression is limited to a narrow range of “acceptable” forms, it limits creativity, ideas, and stifles freedom.  

Missouri Learning Standards in Fine Arts include creating, presenting and responding to works of art. Arts educators must be allowed to engage students with diverse art experiences, which enable them to think critically, inquire, and question, as they respond to a wide variety of images, opinions, and ideologies. Sensitive, well-trained and well-informed arts educators encourage the recognition of other points of view through civil discourse. The exploration of a variety of perspectives provides an opportunity for rich discussion and can lead to mutual understanding. These skills are essential for success in the 21st century. 

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education recommends that every school district develop a least restrictive and rational policy/procedure, to review potentially controversial curricular and library materials. This process should involve a diverse group of students, teachers, parents, principals, other school leaders, and members of the community, to determine what is best for children to read or experience as part of their preK-12+ education.

>Learn more and endorse MAAE's statement of artistic freedom here.

Arts Education Research

With funding from the Missouri Arts Council and the cooperation and assistance of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education completed several studies in arts education. 

>learn more here

Education & Advocacy

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education helps educate and inform others about the importance of arts education in Missouri schools. They work with partners in advocacy including legislative liaiason, Kyna Iman, the Missouri Citizens for the Arts, Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies, our member and affiliate organizations and other agencies.

MAAE is non-partisan and does not endorse political candidates.

>learn more here

Recognition and Celebration

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education supports and recognizes excellence in arts education for student and honors and recognizes individuals for their contributions to arts education made by students, teachers, administrators, school buildings, school districts, elected officials, and community members. 

>learn more here

The Alliance celebrates excellence of student artists and seeks funding support for Missouri's All-State Honors Ensembles and for the Missouri Fine Arts Academy.

>learn more here

MAAE Bylaws

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education organizational structure is governed by bylaws approved by the Board of Directors. The most recent version of the bylaws were approved in January, 2021. 

>view approved and notarized bylaws here