Partnering for success: An examination of arts education partnerships

This study investigates the factors that facilitate successful management of an arts education partnership between arts organizations and schools. Comparisons are made between literature and case studies available on the subject and applied to analysis of current and past partnerships executed by Washington Performing Arts. Through initial research, factors for success were identified and used as benchmarks in which to compare the work against Washington Performing Arts’ efforts. These indicators include (1) clarifying the overall shared goal and leadership, (2) obtaining adequate funding for the venture, (3) conducting thorough and consistent evaluations of program results, and (4) continuously adjusting the program to the needs of the students it serves. By studying the organization, research concludes with recommendations for arts managers to effectively implement partnerships with great longevity and success.