A group of young dancers performs on a dimly lit stage with coordinated movements and ribbons, creating a dynamic and visually stunning display.
A woman in a blue "Turnaround Milwaukee" shirt smiles warmly with outstretched arms during a workshop setting, surrounded by other participants.
Young students in a classroom sit in a line, enthusiastically playing vibrant orange and black drums, participating in a music lesson.
A woman in a blue "Turnaround Milwaukee" shirt smiles warmly with outstretched arms during a workshop setting, surrounded by other participants.
Adults strike expressive poses in a collaborative, artistic workshop in a bright, airy room, fostering creativity and teamwork.
Young musicians in traditional mariachi outfits prepare their instruments backstage, focusing on tuning their violins and guitars before a performance.
Four young students in blue tie-dye shirts holding ukuleles, smiling and making a 'shaka' hand gesture backstage.

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

Together, we envision a world in which all students thrive as they:

Our Vision

+ 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

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

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

Watch the video to learn more ➔

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.

Learn more about the Framework ➔

An animated map of the United States highlighting various locations, illustrating the widespread impact of a program or initiative.

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

An illustration featuring a hot air balloon in the shape of a heart, carrying two students surrounded by musical notes, books, and artistic elements.

Explore our Series of Offerings

Turnaround Arts invites all educators and schools to resources and opportunities designed to enhance learning and engagement. Along with our Learning Framework Arts-full Practices for Belonging, we support all educators to transform their classrooms and schools into dynamic spaces where students Experience the Arts, Make Art, and Connect through the Arts.

  • A large group of diverse people sitting on outdoor steps, enthusiastically waving their hands in the air during a retreat or conference.

    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.

    Learn More
  • Two women sitting across from each other, holding hands and smiling in conversation, fostering connection and mutual understanding at an event.

    For In-Network Educators and Schools

    We are delighted to continue our support for our in-network educators and schools with access to tools, resources, and opportunities designed to support your ongoing commitment in arts education.

    Learn More

Highlights

  • A group of children outdoors, sitting and standing under a large tree, writing or drawing in notebooks, participating in an educational activity.

    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.

    Explore More
  • A woman with long hair speaking during a virtual meeting, seated in a home office setting with bookshelves and natural lighting.

    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.

    Learn More
  • Two men standing and smiling during a presentation at a conference, with a large screen in the background displaying "The Kennedy Center.

    Fellowship Program

    This program provides professional development for Turnaround Arts in-network educators and artists.

    ➔ Apply for the 2025-2026 school year by March 14, 2025

    Become a Fellow
  • A woman speaking passionately in a group discussion during a professional workshop, with attentive participants in the background.

    Voices

    Turnaround Arts teachers and principals from around the country share their “aha!” moments and stories of transformation through the arts.

    Our Community

Sign up to stay informed about Turnaround Arts programming and updates.