Advocacy

CAP, through LEAD and AGC Jacksonville, advocates for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential and accessible arts education that recognizes, amplifies and grows every child’s creative spirit. By working with others for systemic change and increased access to arts education, CAP will expand its reach beyond what could ever be done alone. 

Participation in the arts is much more than an extracurricular activity.

Countless studies reinforce what we see every day—children who participate in the arts consistently show striking improvement in class participation and academic achievement, grow in their ability to communicate effectively, and gain the insights, empathy and language needed to understand themselves, others and the world around them.

Using Data from the Florida Department of Education, Duval County Public Schools and the Landscape of Education in the Arts in Duval (LEAD), CAP found that schools tend to have higher school performance grades with more:

  • arts offerings
  • arts educators
  • arts disciplines 
  • students enrolled in arts courses

Arts education is vital to all children and their academic and emotional development. In Northeast Florida, there is a wide disparity in quality and access to arts education. In addition, the arts are not a core academic subject in Florida, and as such, class size and student-to-teacher ratio vary; in some cases, the ratio is 60:1.

How You Can Support

Advocate for a dedicated arts budget for every school.
  • Results from the 2021 LEAD survey indicate 53% of principals spend $0.01-$3.99 per student on the arts annually.
  • The same survey revealed 82% of principals need resources such as arts supplies and equipment, and 62.6% of principals asked to have a dedicated arts budget.

  • 25% of principals indicated they have no additional funding for the arts from their community.

Donate to CAP to help expand direct services to reach more children and youth.

CAP tracked its students’ progress over a 10-year period, and the data showed:

  • 97% of enrolled students were promoted to the next grade level
  • 90% gained proficiency in various aspects of their artform
  • 84% increased participation and task completion in class
  • 84% strengthened communication skills with peers and adults

The Landscape of Education in the Arts in Duval (LEAD) is a survey and report that informs the Jacksonville community of the state of arts education in Duval County Public Schools. Jacksonville has made incredible strides toward equitable access to quality arts education, and through LEAD, CAP will continue to advocate for arts education to show how the arts add up in the community.

Any Given Child

Any Given Child Jacksonville is a collective impact initiative that unites diverse stakeholders in the community to advocate for equitable access to arts education.

Last chance to visit CAP’s Visual Arts Showcase at the Alexander Brest Gallery through June 4! It’s a truly spectacular exhibition of over 250 artworks created by CAP students throughout the year. Showcase is the ultimate finale and this exhibition aims to inspire a sense of pride and joy, instill a lifelong appreciation of the arts and celebrate every child’s creative spirit. Don’t miss it! #CAPkidsjax #theartsaddup
CAP’s Annual Visual Arts Showcase Reception this morning was a huge success! Congratulations to the student artists, their teaching artist fellows and teaching artists for the incredible display of creativity and inspiration! You have until June 4 to visit. Click here for more info capkids.org/visual-arts-showcase-2025/ 
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax 🎉🎨
It’s imperative to hear about the impact of our programs directly from our students! CAP’s vision is for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every child’s unique skills and strengths. capkids.org ⭐️ #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
It's teacher appreciation week and we are all excited to celebrate our amazing CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, Teaching Artists, teaching assistants and classroom partners! 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults in NE Florida, across various educational settings receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, music, theatre and visual arts. CAP also provides specialized programs designed for students with disabilities, including art counseling, music therapy and sensory arts. 

None of this would occur without the passion and dedication of our exemplary CAP teaching artists. We'd like to send them all a deep and resounding thank you, for the important work they do every day to empower each and every child’s creative spirit! #ThankATeacher #TheArtsAddUp
The first show of the Performing Arts Showcase 2025 is a wrap! Thank you to everyone who has supported our incredible performers this year -- no matter how you choose to show that support. None of this would be possible without you! #capkidsjax #artsed #theartsaddup
Performing Arts Showcase rehearsals are in progress here at the @jaxperformingartscenter! We're amazed at the dedication and talent on display this morning. Which performance are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments! #theartsaddup #artsed #showtime
CAP is grateful to announce that we have been awarded a Find Your Light Foundation 2025 grant! Their support allows us to continue to empower every child’s creative spirit, ensuring that students in Northeast Florida have access to quality arts education.

Find Your Light is dedicated to supporting exceptional arts programs where the need is greatest, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a young person’s development. Thank you, Find Your Light, for uplifting the power of the arts and helping us make a lasting impact! #capkidsjax
Spring for the Arts celebrates the impact you, our donors, have had on local students, and raises funds for CAP's REIMAGINE Campaign, with the ultimate goal of putting instruments, paintbrushes, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Get your tickets today at our link in bio! 🎉
Our mission is to inspire every child's creative spirit! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp #artsed #strings
Every heart needs art! Happy Valentines Day❤️
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax #artsed
It was an unforgettable day at the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Hundreds of guests enjoyed the fun and engaging activities during the CAP Family Day at the Cummer! 

Students and their families participated in Intro to Improv, Nature Printmaking, Needle Felting, World Drums, Positive Words Graffiti, Jazz-Tastic Dance, Boom Whackers, a Museum Scavenger Hunt and an Instrument Petting Zoo! Thanks to CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, staff and volunteers for your efforts today. Special thanks to the Cummer Museum for graciously hosting our amazing families! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp
Research indicates that theatre training for children significantly improves their public speaking skills by building confidence, enhancing vocal projection, developing effective body language and fostering emotional intelligence through character exploration. The practice of performing on stage in a supportive environment helps kids feel comfortable expressing themselves publicly and it's fun! Learn more about our theatre programs at capkids.org #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax

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