Celebrating 45 Years of Artists in Schools

What started as three mothers ensuring their children had access to the arts has turned into one of Wake County’s most impactful arts education programs. For 45 years, our Artists in Schools program has connected students with professional artists across multiple disciplines, providing enriching arts experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

Our Mission

The AIS program continues to be a vital resource in bringing high-quality arts experiences to students throughout Wake County. In the 2023-2024 school year alone, we managed 419 school-day programs, working with 269 artists and groups, and serving 141 schools. These partnerships resulted in 263 performances, 115 workshops, and 39 week-long writer residencies—directly benefiting over 130,000 thousand Wake County students.

Why Your Support Matters

Despite our growth, many schools—especially those in high-poverty areas—struggle to access arts education due to limited resources. That’s where you come in. By joining our $45 for 45 campaign, you can make a direct impact on ensuring that every Wake County student, no matter their background, has access to the arts.

With a donation of $45 per month, you can help us provide of pro bono AIS programs to high-poverty schools, where the arts can make a lasting difference in students’ lives. Your contribution will go directly toward funding school day performances, residencies, and workshops in communities that need it the most.

Your generosity will help us reach every student in Wake County, providing transformative arts experiences for the next generation.