Corcoran ArtReach

 ArtReach, the Corcoran’s community art program, is celebrating its 21st year of high-quality visual arts education for the underserved youth in our community. The program extends the resources of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the College of Art + Design to diverse neighborhoods in our city. Partnering with community organizations around Washington, ArtReach provides after-school programs, summer classes, and art workshops to underserved youth and their families, and reaches 17,000 students annually.

On Thursday, June 6, the Corcoran is taking part in Do More 24--a one-day fundraising event. For a similar event in 2011, we raised over $62,000 and over 400 people participated.

Expressions: The Annual ArtReach Exhibition is on view in the Corcoran Atrium May 22–June 16.

Educational Programs at the Corcoran

The Corcoran’s educational programs offer opportunities for students, teachers, families, artists, and adults to engage with the arts creatively and collaboratively. Capitalizing on the Corcoran’s unique position as an art museum and a college of art and design, our programs deliver:

Experiential Learning. Grounded in engagement with original artwork and exploration of technique and processes, Corcoran programs build meaningful connections between art and life through hands-on instruction and the insight of teaching artists.

Creative Inquiry. Valuing creativity and inspiration in learning, our programs investigate the thinking process of the artist and encourage intellectual curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving. Students explore creative practice in cultures, past and present, because the study and practice of the visual arts contributes to their understanding of contemporary issues.

Commitment to Community. Corcoran programs are responsive to our audiences. They inspire discourse and collaboration, emphasize long-term partnerships, and encourage intergenerational learning opportunities for families. In our programs, individual expression and collective achievement inspire, empower, and connect individuals from various communities.

Value. The Corcoran creates programs that are purposeful, relevant, and meaningful to the lives of our audiences. We promote active participation and life-long learning. To ensure value to our audiences, we rigorously assess and evaluate our programs.

ArtReach in School

ArtReach in School is a resource for D.C. educators, developed for middle school students who are underserved in terms of fine art enrichment programs. The resources include lesson plans, a tour of the Corcoran, free bus transportation, and ongoing professional development for teachers.

For a number of years, museums have used their resources to teach critical thinking, problem solving, visual literacy, and other skills that are now considered crucial for the 21st century. The Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design is equipped to support and integrate the development of 21st-century skills in the DCPS and DCPCS school systems, with particular attention paid to exploring the role of creativity.

To further this initiative, the Corcoran has developed a program that targets middle school students who are underserved in terms of fine art enrichment programs. Resources include teaching posters focusing on American art in the Corcoran's collection, lesson plans that present interdisciplinary opportunities for learning and teaching—and that adhere to the D.C. standards of learning, a free tour of the Corcoran followed by a hands-on, studio activity (with bus transportation reimbursement included), and ongoing professional development for teachers.

For free curriculum, click here.

For more information on how you can get involved with ArtReach in School, please contact Liz Lloyd, Manager of Interpretive Resources and Educator Programs (llloyd@corcoran.org; 202-639-1844)

ArtReach after School

ArtReach after School partners with community organizations around the city, providing after-school programs, summer classes, and workshops to underserved youth and their families.

Students who participate in arts learning experiences often improve their achievement in other realms of learning and life.
— National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, 2006

Art allows me to express myself, master a skill that I love, and soothe my soul.
— Alex Marie Gore, 7th grade

ArtReach after School provides high-quality visual arts education for the youth in our community. The program extends the resources of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the College of Art + Design to the diverse neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. Partnering with community organizations around the city, we provide after-school programs, summer classes, and workshops to underserved youth and their families. The program serves more than 300 students a year.

Using the Gallery’s collection as a primary resource, ArtReach After School fosters creativity and visual literacy skills while helping students develop meaningful connections between art and their lives. During a semester, participants take field trips to the galleries to look at, discuss, and interpret works of art. Back in the studio, they experiment with a variety of art materials and methods to create their own artwork inspired by these experiences.

ArtReach School Tours

ArtReach School Tours offers thematic tours of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, introducing students (Pre K through 12) to the joy of learning through art. Related workshops, which incorporate studio projects, are linked with tours to further enhance encounters with works of art and inspire students.

School tours, presented by specially trained docents, are offered between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Tours may last from 45 minutes to one hour. The optional related workshop is 30–45 minutes. School tours and related workshops are free.

Read more about available tours here.

ArtReach Educator Programs

ArtReach Educator Programs offer professional development opportunities. Teachers explore special exhibitions and the Corcoran’s collection while learning new ways to incorporate object-based learning into their curriculum.

The Public Education department, in collaboration with the Corcoran College of Art + Design’s Art Education program, offers professional development opportunities. These programs are designed to help teachers make meaningful classroom connections with works of art. Teachers explore special exhibitions and the Corcoran’s collection while learning new ways to incorporate object-based learning into their curriculum. Participants take part in studio experiences, writing activities, Gallery explorations, and lectures. Attendees receive an Educator Packet compliment of the Public Education department. Pre-registration is required and limited space is available.

Summer Teacher Institute 2013: Art and Social Justice
Tuesday, June 25-Friday, June 28
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The 2013 Corcoran Summer Teacher Institute explores how art can break barriers towards a common goal of social justice. Speakers, workshops, gallery activities, and discussions will address issues of social justice from a number of disciplines, especially those that emphasize involvement and a multifaceted approach to social change. Topics, ranging from global capitalism, gender issues, food politics, community building, media and technology and pedagogy with emphasis on intersectional issues and methodology. Register now!

Educator Inservice Events
What better place to discuss interdisciplinary learning with your colleagues than the Corcoran Gallery of Art? The Corcoran welcomes school and county systems who wish to use our facilities and resources to encourage dialogue among teachers. Gallery and College educators work closely with schools to arrange for a personalized Inservice event. To schedule an Inservice Event, please contact Liz Lloyd, Manager of Interpretive Resources and Educator Programs (llloyd@corcoran.org; 202-639-1844).