Amy Rasmussen - Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education

Amy Rasmussen is the Executive Director of Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE), a nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to enhancing student learning through the arts by partnering with over 40 Chicago public schools. Under her leadership, CAPE has made significant strides in arts integration, collaborating with professional teaching artists and educators to create innovative curriculum projects that combine arts with academics, benefiting thousands of students. Amy’s passion for arts education stems from her experiences in intensive music programs, which inspired her to advocate for high-quality arts access in schools. She holds a music degree from DePaul University and a graduate degree in arts entertainment and media management from Columbia College.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[1:50] Amy Rasmussen shares how her musical beginnings fueled her nonprofit management and arts education journey
[4:18] The life lessons gained through intensive high school music programs
[8:54] CAPE’s mission to intertwine the arts with academic goals in the classroom
[11:24] Amy talks about curriculum development and staff structure
[14:21] The challenges and realities of sustaining arts programs in structured school systems
[17:41] Why arts are fundamental in sparking passion and joy in education
[18:58] Amy’s take on the potential restructuring of the Department of Education and its impact on arts funding

In this episode…

The arts possess a unique ability to inspire, educate, and foster connections that extend beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Integrating creativity into the structured curriculum can profoundly enhance students’ learning experiences, igniting their passion and enthusiasm for knowledge. So, how can we empower students through arts to lead a richer and more holistic educational journey?

Amy Rasmussen, an experienced nonprofit leader, uncovers the remarkable effects of integrating the arts into the academic curriculum. She traces her journey from a musician to a champion of arts education, illustrating how a background in both art and management can equip one to influence positive change in the education system. Amy highlights their unique approach of collaborating with professional artists and teachers to co-create curriculums that harness the arts to spark student engagement and understanding. The challenge, she notes, is prioritizing arts education amidst an environment often dominated by stringent academic frameworks.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Amy Rasmussen, Executive Director of Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE), about the importance of arts in educational enhancement. Amy shares her musical beginnings and how they fueled her journey in nonprofit management and arts education, CAPE’s mission to intertwine the arts with academic goals in the classroom, and the challenges and realities of sustaining arts programs in structured school systems.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable moments:

“Once you’re a musician and committed to the craft, you’re always a musician.”
“The arts are an untapped resource for our schools and should be more present in the schools every day.”
“I challenge all school leaders to prioritize things that really create value for students.”
“I believe that many communities come together through music and the arts, creating a real difference in the world.”
“We want people who are interested in learning, in being a part of something bigger than themselves.”

Action Steps:

Embrace arts integration in education: This approach not only enhances students’ interest in learning but also builds vital life skills, addressing the challenge of rigid, test-focused curriculums.
Advocate for arts funding: By prioritizing arts in school budgets, you help sustain programs that are essential for sparking students’ passion and engagement.
Prioritize community engagement and collaboration: This collaboration creates a dynamic learning environment, mitigating the constraints of limited resources and fostering a sense of community involvement.
Participate in local education governance: Active participation ensures that essential programs like arts education receive the attention and funding they deserve, addressing systemic challenges.
Promote the importance of arts in schools: By sharing success stories and the positive impacts of arts integration, you help shift the narrative towards a more balanced educational approach that values creativity alongside traditional academics.

Sponsor for this episode…

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Amy Rasmussen – Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education