Summits

► Arts Partners (Arts organizations, independent teaching artists, executive directors, education staff, program staff, teaching artists) consider these questions:

 Are you interested in working in Chicago Public Schools?
 Are you interested in sharing your programs with CPS Schools?
 Are you interested in meeting arts teachers and school administrators?
 Are you interested in understanding what teachers want?
 Are you interested in obtaining resources that highlight best practices for obtaining and sustaining partnerships?
 Are you interested in networking with fellow arts partners working within CPS?
 Are you interested in learning more about arts integration?

If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, then the summits are right for you!

► Schools (arts teachers, principals, administrators, other content area teachers) consider these questions:

 Are you interested in special arts opportunities for students?
 Are you interested in filling an arts gap or need in your school?
 Are you interested in meeting program representatives from arts partner organizations?
 Are you interested in understanding how an arts partner can help your school meet its goals?
 Are you looking for resources that highlight best practices for obtaining and sustaining partnerships?
 Are you interested in networking with fellow arts teachers working within CPS?
 Are you interested in the opportunity to win arts funds for your school and program?

If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, then the summits are right for you!

► CPS Schools Before attending the summit, take some time to talk with your students, arts instructors, classroom teachers, and/or administrators to determine your school’s needs or interests. Try to get the clearest picture of what your school currently offers to students and what is lacking. This can help you to have a more targeted conversation with arts partners and colleagues. Feel free to review the Arts Partnership Process: Steps for Program Success for additional tips.

► Arts Partners Before attending the summit, take some time to review your programs and past partnerships. Gather materials and/or resources that best showcase the benefit of your programs. Feel free to review the Arts Partnership Process: Steps for Program Success for additional tips.

• CPS Personnel and Arts Partners will receive resources and insights on how to build successful partnerships and arts programs from start to finish.
• Teachers will meet representatives from various arts organizations, collect resources and information about arts program offerings, discuss needs, and spark the development of arts partnerships.
• Schools in attendance are entered into a drawing for cash prizes to support the development of arts partnerships in schools.
• Attendees will also receive helpful tips on how to best use artlook® Map as a resource.

After reviewing these resources, arts partners will remain at their designated tables and school personnel will have the opportunity to discuss partnerships with as many arts partners as possible.

Come prepared to have conversations about your needs and/or programs. Prepare questions to ask. Take advantage of the resources provided at the Summit to support your conversations to build partnerships and fill gaps in instruction.

Finalizing partnerships requires more time than the Summits allow. Keep in mind that the Summits are designed to provide opportunities to spark initial conversations and connections. As such, maintaining contact and fostering relationships beyond the Summit is key to creating a strong arts partnership. Oftentimes, participants experience the full benefits of their Summit attendance at the start of the following school year.