Key Points
Collective Impact Framework
The CT Arts Learning Collaborative follows the Collective Impact model to unify community efforts and increase arts access for all students.
Early-Stage Development and Funding
In its initial phase, the Collaborative has received critical funding from a small set of key funders to establish foundational partnerships and a strategic framework.
Future Goals for Program Expansion
In 2026, the Collaborative will continue building membership and move into strategic planning, with long-term goals for policy influence, research, and coalition-building.
The Connecticut Arts Learning Collaborative (CALC) is a first-of-its-kind, statewide collective impact initiative launched in 2025 to address a persistent challenge in our education system: uneven access to high-quality arts learning for young people across Connecticut. Too often, arts education is shaped by fragmented systems, inconsistent funding, and a lack of coordinated strategy. CALC brings together educators, Teaching Artists, school and district leaders, nonprofits, funders, and policymakers to change that—working collaboratively to build shared capacity, align resources, and strengthen arts learning for every student.
CALC is led by a Steering Committee that includes Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT), alongside the Connecticut Arts Administrators Association (CAAA), the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA), and partners across the education and cultural sectors. Together, these organizations are helping to connect the field, elevate best practices, and ensure that arts learning is recognized as an essential part of a well-rounded education. This leadership structure reflects CALC’s core commitment to cross-sector collaboration and shared ownership of the work ahead.
Our current phase of work focuses on building strong foundations for long-term impact. This includes establishing representative working groups, hosting statewide and virtual convenings, and supporting professional learning communities that foster connection and shared problem-solving. In early 2026, CALC convened more than 100 stakeholders from across the state to begin developing a shared vision and action plan for advancing arts learning in Connecticut—marking a major milestone in our collective journey. With support from Mindpop, a national leader in arts education collective impact, we will continue to grow this community as we articulate a common agenda and strategic action plan.
A key pillar of CALC’s work is data and policy infrastructure. With support from national partners like Quadrant Research and the Arts Education Data Project (under the leadership of Bob Morrison), we are developing an equity-focused measurement framework that will help benchmark arts access across districts. This shared data strategy will inform future investment, advocacy, and policy decisions—ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most and that progress can be tracked transparently over time.
Most importantly, CALC is an open and growing collaborative. We invite anyone who believes in the power of the arts to join this work—whether you are an educator, artist, administrator, funder, policymaker, or community partner. Our commitment is to a process that is transparent, equitable, and inspired, grounded in shared leadership and collective action. Together, we are building the systems, relationships, and strategies needed to ensure every young person in Connecticut experiences meaningful, high-quality arts learning.
Thank you to our core funders who have made this work possible!
