The Office of Visual and Performing Arts celebrated Arts in Schools Month with four district-wide programs featuring 661 students in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. On March 2nd, the department debuted the 2023 Young Artists Annual Exhibition at Newark Vocational High School. 114 students in grades 6-8 from 29 elementary schools presented artwork, dance, and theatrical performances based on the theme “Transition & Transformation.” On March 9th, 215 student dancers from 19 schools in grades 3-12 performed in the All City Dance Festival held at Arts High School. This was followed by the 2023 All City Music Festival, held on March 16th at Arts High School, with 231 musicians in grades 6-8 from 37 schools who performed in orchestra, guitar ensemble, concert band, or choir. Additionally, 101 high school students from 12 schools participated in the 2023 Teen Arts Annual centered on the theme “The Evidence of Who I Am.” This was held at the Newark Museum of Art and included artwork and performances in dance, instrumental music, and vocal music.

Each program incorporated arts knowledge and skills developed through Newark Public School’s arts curriculum. Throughout staff development days this year, arts educators have engaged in professional learning communities and workshops to examine curriculum and support their students’ artistic development. These efforts culminated in the outstanding performances and exhibitions of NBOE students in March’s district-wide programming. The Arts Office will present two additional performances this school year. Choral students in grades 9-12 will present the 2nd Annual High School Vocal Jubilee at Newark Symphony Hall on June 1st and fourth grade students will perform on recorder instruments at NJPAC on Tuesday, June 6th.