Visual and Performing Arts Education

Arts education plays a vital role in academic success, career development, and lifelong skills. Yet in San Mateo County, many secondary students, particularly those in under-resourced schools, have limited access to school-based arts courses.

The County Office is committed to addressing this inequity by supporting educators in creating relevant content, delivering high-quality instruction, and building sustainable arts programs. Proposition 28, which dedicates ongoing state funding for arts and music education, provides a crucial opportunity to expand access and strengthen comprehensive programs. With this investment, schools can enrich educational opportunities and ensure that all students, especially those historically underserved by school-based arts education, benefit from the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and prepare them for the future.

San Mateo County Creates Arts Leadership Council

The San Mateo County Creates (SMCC) is a new initiative to foster collaboration, share best practices, and support strategic arts education planning across the county. Its goals are to build community, support educational arts leadership and strategic arts planning, share best practices, organize county-wide events and collaborations, and provide updates, vision, and best practices for Prop 28/Arts Ed funding. 

Visit the San Mateo County Creates Website

The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), with the support of Arts Coordinator Allison Gamlen, is dedicated to staff development in Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) in alignment with state mandates to meet student needs. We offer workshops, seminars, and more across schools, districts, and the county. Informally, we share resources and foster collaborations. Our focus on equitable access, strategic arts planning, and arts education funding ensures equitable, high-quality arts education from preschool to high school. Contact Allison Gamlen at agamlen@smcoe.org for support or more information.

• Resolution Endorsing the Declaration of the Rights of All Students to Equity in Arts Learning (November 20, 2019)
• Visual, Performing, and Media Arts Strategic Plan