Seattle's performing arts education scene's Summer Institute, The Creative Advantage—a citywide initiative to enhance arts education—reported a partnership among its arts education groups.

The creative advantage made the decision to include programs that are especially aimed at the visual arts and music, taking inspiration from the sporadic achievements of winter 2023, when the Seattle Theatre Education Coalition (STEC) was founded to promote theater education. According to Artbeat Seattle, a staggering number of over 130 educators have now participated in these coalitions, clearly showing collective engagement. “Community organizations in The Creative Advantage are transforming our schools,” the report highlighted.

Joining forces at the Summer Institute on August 22, STEC, the Seattle Visual Arts Education Coalition (SVAEC), and the Seattle Music Education Coalition (SMEC) are set to provide 90-minute workshops each. The hands-on sessions cover various topics, including theater's impact on student agency, the cultural significance of music education, and visual arts strategies enabling critical thinking about contemporary issues. 

The Creative Advantage guarantees attendees a chance to enjoy a wide array of activities, like the "everybody dance break," featuring groundbreakers such as Robbi A. Moore from Creative Dance Center. As hinted by Artbeat Seattle, the gathering is set to also boast performances from Speak with Purpose scholars and the newly designated Youth Poet Laureate, Janae Lu.

During the lunch break, educators and community arts partners will have the chance to network and collaborate. There will also be raffles with great prizes, including tickets to Seattle Rep and Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) events, plus art supplies from Painter Pals. Overall, media enthusiasts can look forward to coverage of the event by Ground Zero Radio.