Wisconsin Dance Education Summit - April 21 (online)
What: 2025 Wisconsin Dance Summit
When: April 21, 2025 from 6-8 pm (Central Time)
Where: Online (Zoom)
Who: All are invited to participate in this two hour event!
Description: The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is proud to present the Second Annual Online Wisconsin Dance Summit on Monday, April 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM (Central Time). This dynamic event brings together visionary leaders in dance education for an evening of inspiration, innovation, and meaningful dialogue. The summit will open with remarks from Susan McGreevy-Nichols, Executive Director of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). Attendees will also enjoy an exclusive live screening of PS DANCE! THE NEXT GENERATION, a powerful film showcasing Ann Biddle and her students as they demonstrate that every school can be a dance school.
Join us for an evening that will inform, inspire, and ignite your passion for dance education. Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with national leaders and explore the transformative power of dance in schools!
Register Here: Zoom Registration Open Now
Learn More Here:
Summit Flyer To Share
|
Student Online Art Showcase - April 15 Deadline
 |
|
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is proud to celebrate the work of our young visual and media art students. Up to 50 Images of student artwork will be selected by a panel each year to be displayed on the Arts & Creativity page of the DPI Website. Read more here to learn about eligibility and how to apply. |
2025 Wisconsin Creativity Summit - Aug 21 (online)
What: 2025 Wisconsin Creativity Summit featuring a Peter Gamwell and Guest
When: August 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM (CST)
Where: Online (Zoom)
Who: All are invited to participate in this one hour event.
Description: Join us on August 21 for a conversation with Dr. Peter Gamwell as we explore the impact of creativity in our personal lives, businesses, and education. We'll also honor the legacy of Sir Ken Robinson, a visionary advocate for the arts and creativity, on the fifth anniversary of his passing. A special guest will share how Sir Ken's work influenced them while reflecting on the role of creativity in their own journey. Expect an hour of inspiration, insight, and a touch of humor.
Register Here: Zoom Registration Open Now
|
DPI Summer Institute: Transforming Systems for Innovation- June 23-26
When: June 23-26, 2025 (Orientation Meeting in May, date TBD)
Where: Lowenwood campus, Land O'Lakes, WI (anticipated)
Who: School teams of between 4–6 people, one who must be an administrator. Participants may include (but are not limited to) administrators, educators, and instructional leaders. The team should include individuals from a variety of grade levels and job duties (e.g. teachers, counselors, administrators, specialized subjects)
What: Engage in hands-on activities, sessions, discussions, and networking to discover and develop pathways to innovation. Continuous support for implementation will be provided throughout the 2025-26 school year via online sessions.
Cost: DPI will cover food and lodging costs for all participants. Limited to 60 participants. Registration priority will be given to school teams of between 4–6 people. Districts will pay only for travel and other miscellaneous costs. Note that districts could utilize Title II-A and/or Title IV-A funding to offset the costs of travel. Implementation funding will be available for building an action plan.
This is the first step in a two-stage process. Schools that are selected will be asked to provide additional information. Given the limited spots, ensure the endorsement of your district/school leadership before applying.
Apply Here: https://dpi.wi.gov/cal/2025-summer-institute
|
Kaukauna High students recognized with Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program honors
Kaukauna High School theater students were recognized Wednesday in two categories as the the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center announced the 2024-25 Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program recognition recipients. Read More Here
New creative arts material used in Wisconsin schools created by UWSP music students
Watch the video here!
Waukesha Sings! Event
 |
|
4th and 5th grade students across the School District of Waukesha came together to celebrate their love of singing at Waukesha Sings! This is the 6th year of the district choral festival. Throughout the festival day, students worked with guest clinician Zach Moore, and performed in the evening for their family and friends! This is a very popular event in the School District of Waukesha and we are so happy it continues to be a bright spot for our 4th and 5th grade singers! |
Sam Davey Elementary art teacher honored with Golden Apple award
 |
|
For more than three decades, Danielle Johnson has taught art class at Sam Davey Elementary School. Her passion for color and design has definitely rubbed off on her students which was on display when Mrs. Johnson received her Golden Apple award during an-school assembly. Read More Here |
Wisconsin Schools Film Festival
Do you have a film club and/or course at your middle or high school? Encourage your students to submit to a short film to the Wisconsin Schools Film Festival run by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association (WISDAA). For categories of submission, rules, and to register, visit www.wisconsinschoolsfilmfest.org. Submission deadline is April 22, 2025. This our final pilot online year before we debut an in-person event in 2026
|
2025 Congressional Art Competitions
Office of Congressman Bryan Steil
1st Congressional District of Wisconsin
Deadline: April 9
Office of Congressman Derrick Van Orden
3rd Congressional District of Wisconsin
Deadline: April 7 at 4:00 PM
Office of Congressman Scott Fitzgerald
5th Congressional District of Wisconsin
Deadline: April 11 at 5:00 PM
Office of Congressman Glenn Grothman
6th Congressional District of Wisconsin
Deadline: April 14
Office of Congressman Tom Tiffany
7th Congressional District of Wisconsin
Deadline: April 18 at 5:00 PM
Office of Congressman Tony Wied
8th Congressional District of Wisconsin
Deadline: April 7 at 5:00 PM
National Coalition for Arts Standards – Request for Survey Participation
The National Coalition for Arts Standards (NCAS) is seeking feedback on the National Arts Education Standards for dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts! Music educators are asked to share insights through the public input survey by May 16.
Research Study – Accommodations and Student Teaching
All people 18+ who are currently or have been a music teacher candidate, music teacher educator, university supervisor or cooperating teacher in the past 10 years are invited to participate in a research survey about providing accommodations during student teacher placements. Learn more>>
Student Composition Project – NEW Feature!
Student Composition Project submissions are being accepted by Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) for Spring 2025 through April 16. Submitted compositions receive feedback from a professional composer or qualified evaluator. Learn more about our NEW opportunity for students – the WSMA Exemplary Composition Award. See full project information>>
The National Honor Society For Dance Arts
Induct Your Dance Students in Time for Graduation - Establish a Chapter at Your School or Studio Today!
Read about NHSDA
What is the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)?
The Mission of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) is to recognize outstanding Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools in K-12 education, dance studios, performing arts organizations, and colleges / universities.
 |
|
2025 ARTEFFECT Competition
The 2025 ARTEFFECT Competition is open through April 27! Students in grades 6-12 worldwide creatively interpret the stories of Unsung Heroes whose extraordinary actions changed the course of hashtaghistory. Students choose an Unsung Hero as a role model from the approved list, create an original visual artwork--accompanied by a written statement about the impact of their project. Learn more, https://arteffectlmc.org/
|
DNR Now Accepting Entries For 2026 State Park And Forest 12-Month Vehicle Admission Pass - Due April 16
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting artwork entries from high school students for the 2026 12-month Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass.The annual DNR-sponsored design contest is open to all high school-age students in Wisconsin who attend public, private and parochial schools or are homeschooled. Artwork entries should focus on outdoor recreation, animals or plants in Wisconsin.
Read More Here
|
2025 Wisconsin Flute Festival – The Road Less Traveled
Here is some information about the April 13, 2025 Festival:
📅 April 13, 2025 | 📍 WYSO Center for Music, Madison, WI
🎟 Registration Open! $40–$50 | $10 for non-flutist family | 20% off for groups of 5+
✨ About the Festival:
A celebration of all things flute! Enjoy workshops, performances, masterclasses, and an exhibit hall. Open to flutists and music lovers of all ages.
📩 More Info & Registration:
🔗 www.wisconsinflutefestival.org
📧 Email: wi.flute@gmail.com
📌 Follow us on Facebook: @wisconsinflutefestival
🎵 Join us on April 13 for a day of music, learning & inspiration! 🎶
|
 |
|
NPR's Student Podcast Challenge returns for 2025
An opportunity for students in grades four through 12 all around the country to record their stories and share them with NPR, the 2025 Student Podcast Challenge will open on Jan. 6 and close on May 2. Go here to learn more.
|
Subsidies To Attend Conference
We have an opportunity available for Wisconsin educators and we’re hoping you could extend the invitation statewide. Thanks to generous support from the UW-Madison School of Education Dean’s Office, the PLACE office is offering significant subsidies for Wisconsin educators (a $300 value) to attend the College Book Art Association conference. Details below.
The College Book Art Association (CBAA) National Conference invites educators and teachers to engage in thought-provoking discussions and creative explorations of book art in a digital age.
Event Highlights:
-
Date: June 5-7, 2025 (Attend all 3 days or Saturday only)
-
Cost: $50 for all three to days or $25 for Saturday only, includes all activities and banquet dinner if interested
-
Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison
-
Theme: Embracing the Tangible: Fostering Interdisciplinary Connections in Book Art
Subsidized Attendance:
Take advantage of a reduced registration fee, there are limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here to register.
Grants Galore!
Fund for Teachers Grant
Description: This grant is specifically designed for K-12 Teachers who need professional development. These grants are designed by the teacher applicant and can range from $5,000-10,000.
McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
Description: This is perfect if you’re looking to try out some new teaching strategies, like Arts Integration and STEAM. These grants are available for up to $10,000/year for up to 3 years. This would be a great chance to apply for those larger learning opportunities, like our Arts Integration Certification Program.
Donors Choose PD Grants
Description: We all love the Donor’s Choose platform for crowdfunding our classroom needs. But did you know that they also offer a way to get your professional development crowdfunded? You can now create a Professional Development Project and specify what trainings you need, why and how much it costs. Then put it out there just like you would a regular Donor’s Choose project.
Toshiba America Foundation Grants for Teachers
Description: These grants are designed to support innovative, project-based learning in science and mathematics. Award amount varies by grade level and project. Awards for under $5,000 are available on a rolling basis. Grants for more than $5,000 are due May 1 and November 1.
Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program
Description: These grants are to recognize innovative and effective projects that improve student learning. Award amounts are $2,000 to 50 finalists; additional awards of $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000 to top three projects. Applications typically due in April.
NEA Foundation - Envision Equity Grants
Envision Equity Grants support project-based learning and help educators to advance students’ cultural understanding and appreciation, anti-racism commitments, and understanding of civic engagement and democracy. Envision Equity Grants are available to educators, specialized instructional support personnel, and education support professionals who are pursuing project-based learning, partnerships, or resources rooted in advancing equity in the classroom and beyond. Envision Equity grants will fund projects up to $5,000. Grants fund activities for 12 months from the date of the award.
Check Out Wisconsin's ArtsCore
ArtsCore, a partnership between the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the Paine Art Center and Gardens, and regional public school districts, seeks to support pre-service and early career teachers in their efforts to teach in and through the arts by developing and implementing programming designed to enhance their competence, confidence, and resiliency to do so.
8 Ambient Sound Websites to Help Students Focus
What helps you focus when reading, writing, or getting work done? Do you need a totally silent room, or does some amount of ambient noise help you? For some people, students included, having sound in the background can actually help them focus better. This could include music, nature sounds, or just white noise. Learn more here from Eric Curts!
|
New Updates: DPI Resources, Webpage Highlight Impact, Importance of Federal Funding
The DPI has launched a new new interactive map of federal funding resources for public library systems in the state.
What's available?
- The number of libraries in each library system
- Amount of public library system state aid and federal aid through the Library Services and Technology Act each system receives
- Federal aid as a percentage of the system’s total funding
These resources empower Wisconsin libraries to best serve their communities. They help fund important initiatives like interlibrary loan, summer reading programs, workforce development, and more.
|
Nature & Art
Nature has inspired art for ages, in children and adults and in novice artists as well as the masters. It seems we’ve always known that art and nature go together. But, what do we know about the impact of nature-based art activities, art-enhanced nature programs, or therapeutic art and nature interventions on children? Read More Here
|
The Guardian view on the arts in schools: classrooms need more creativity
"Encouraging the development of these capabilities in childhood – alongside literacy, maths and so on – ought to be a core task of educators." Read More Here
|
 |
|
Studies show links between arts programs and positive academic outcomes, skills
"Their findings showed that the students exposed to arts-related programs, such as music, demonstrated positive academic outcomes or improved skill development, compared to those who didn’t participate." Read More Here
|
Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance – CMP Summer Workshop!
CMP Summer Workshop 2025 is officially OPEN for registration! Created and taught by experienced and accomplished Wisconsin music educators, this authentic and hands-on professional development immersion experience will transform your work. Come experience the energy and excitement of creative, passionate K-12 music educators peers, new and veteran, instrumental, general, vocal and studio educators all in one place! There is truly nothing else like this summer camp for adults! Register now>>
|
 |
|
2025 Play Make Learn Conference
August 21-22 | Madison, WI
🎉 Registration Now Open 🎉
Deadline to Register: July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM Central
Click Here for More Info: playmakelearn.org
|
2025 NAfME General Music Virtual Conference
The 2025 NAfME General Music Virtual Conference will take place 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM ET, on Saturday, April 26. This will be the third annual conference, with previous events happening in April 2023 and April 2024.
LEARN MORE HERE
Modern Band Summit 2025
For three days, hundreds of music educators and experts from across the country come together at Modern Band Summit 2025 for immersive professional development, hands-on workshops, and a deep dive into the innovative modern band curriculum that’s transforming music education.
Date: July 9-11, 2025
Location: Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
More Conferences and Workshops
|
