Turnaround Arts, a program of the Kennedy Center, works with teachers and students at Title 1 elementary and middle schools to increase equitable access to the arts and foster a deeper sense of belonging.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Together, we envision a world in which all students thrive as they:
+ Experience authentic belonging throughout their K-8 school journey
+ Engage in a well-rounded education, inclusive of the arts
+ Exude confidence, critical thinking, and creativity
The Next Phase of Turnaround Arts
Since its launch in 2012 with just 8 schools, Turnaround Arts has expanded its impact to more than 96,000 students nationwide, inspiring countless stories of positive transformation from students and teachers alike. Along with our newly developed Learning Framework, we are partnering with neuroscientists and education experts whose research proves that the arts are one of the best ways to prepare students’ minds to receive and retain learning.
Special thanks to Alfre Woodard for narrating the video

Because Arts-full Practices are a direct pathway to Belonging, and Belonging is essential for Learning.

Introducing the Turnaround Arts Learning Framework: Arts-full Practices for Belonging
By collaborating with communities where students and adults Experience the Arts, Make Art, and Connect through the Arts in joyful and culturally responsive ways, Turnaround Arts champions belonging-supportive environments that respect every student’s identity, capacity to succeed, and their individual agency. These arts-full spaces encourage all participants to learn and thrive.
Our Impact
Since 2012, our impact has reached and served:
96,000+ Students
4,500+ Educators
105 Partner Schools
54 School Districts
55 Cities
17 States + DC
Turnaround Arts
Arts-full Pathways
Turnaround Arts invites schools to explore Arts-full Pathways, a flexible set of offerings designed to equip teachers and students with resources and opportunities that enhance learning and engagement. Along with our Learning Framework Arts-full Practices for Belonging, our program supports all educators to transform their classrooms and schools into dynamic spaces where students Experience the Arts, Make Art, and Connect through the Arts.
What We Offer
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For All Educators and Schools
We believe that access to arts education is a civil right for all students. Turnaround Arts provides free high quality resources for all educators and school administrators. Engage with our offerings through Arts-full Pathways.
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For In-Network Educators and Schools
We are delighted to provide our in-network educators and schools with continued access to tools, resources, and opportunities designed to support your ongoing commitment in arts education.
Highlights
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Poem Forest
Learn how to activate our Learning Framework through this arts integration project in which students connect science and ecology with experiencing and making poetry.
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Belonging in Brief
In bite-sized videos on our Framework page, watch experts in the field define belonging and the importance of its connection with the arts.
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Fellowship Program
This program provides professional development for Turnaround Arts in-network educators and artists.
➔ Apply for the 2025-2026 school year by February 25, 2025
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Voices
Turnaround Arts teachers and principals from around the country share their “aha!” moments and stories of transformation through the arts.
