2023 district art exhibition

Visual Art Students, Teachers and Parents,

I want to congratulate everyone in our visual arts community for the tremendous artistic work created this school year by our students, under the creative instruction and guidance of our teachers.  

Arts education in San Diego Unified School District is going through a renaissance. The arts enjoy wonderful support from the school board and superintendent, from their presence at events to increased financial support, which shows how they are prioritizing artistic opportunities for students. The VAPA Foundation, a separate non-profit organization that supports arts education in SDUSD, has been steadily increasing its development of resources that enable us to showcase honors student work in professional spaces, which is unprecedented. And the passage of Prop. 28 by California's voters will release historic new resources for arts education across the state.

Students, your commitment to the arts shines through as I navigate the pages here.  We are all proud of how you have developed your artistic voices, and you have shown that you have something to say.  I want to encourage you to continue your studies in visual art, regardless if that means taking art in college or in the grade or school you will attend next year, as your development as an artist make you a better, more creative person and citizen in our world.

Parents, I appreciate your support of arts education, which provides so many pathways and access to possibilities for students and their futures.

Enjoy the exhibition!

Russ Sperling, Director of Visual and Performing Arts

MISSION STATEMENT

San Diego Unified School District will promote artistic literacy, innovation, creativity, and excellence in the arts by providing a high quality, sequential, TK-12 arts experience for all students. By implementing district policies that support and sustain the arts as a core subject, the Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA) will support the highest quality arts education in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, providing services in curriculum and instruction, professional development and community collaboration.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES


VISUAL ART PATHWAYS (5TH-12TH)

Visual art instruction, including the study and practice of traditional media (drawing, painting, and sculpting) is offered in middle/junior and senior high schools throughout the district. Elementary classroom teachers may provide instruction in visual art or use visual art activities as support for instruction in other subject areas. The visual art curriculum is designed to ensure students meet the California State Content Standards in visual art through studio and art history courses.