Beyond the gate: Community arts participation enhances teaching and learning

Participation in community arts projects has the potential to enrich and regenerate communities, and to support teaching and learning. This article draws upon data from six New Zealand case studies, made up of six different community arts projects, and examines the dynamic relationship between community arts projects and participating schools and youth centres. Qualitative data analysis reveals a link between a school’s or youth centre’s participation in community arts projects and enhanced teaching and learning for the educators and students involved. Evidence highlights the important role played by situated learning, community-based education, and teaching collaborations in engaging students and in supporting the professional learning of teachers and youth workers.