Understanding How the Arts Add Up in Duval County

In 2019, the Cathedral Arts Project began collecting data from local schools about arts programs and resources provided to children and young adults. The data collected helps stakeholders understand the impact, availability and standards of quality arts learning in Northeast Florida schools.

The findings below are based on the most recent data collected from school administrators for the 2022-2023 academic year.

External Funding Sources

Because of limited district funding, external funding sources for arts programs in schools are crucial as they provide the necessary financial support to sustain and enhance these programs in ways such as supplies, equipment and extracurricular programs. Additional external funding helps ensure arts education remains accessible and helps nurture the next generation of artists, performers and creative thinkers. 

The graph to the left shows the sources of funding beyond standard district funding for responding schools. Participating schools frequently have no available additional funding. Only 28 schools had additional funding through district grants. 

* “Other” responses include principal’s fund, Amazon wish list, PTA, parent donations, state arts associations, book fairs, and teacher personal spending.

Resource Requests

Resource needs in art classrooms can vary depending on the specific art projects being pursued and the age and skill level of the students. Needs can include dedicated art budgets, staff, supplies, and curriculums designed to support creative expression and hands-on learning.

Respondents were asked about which resources would best benefit their school’s art programs. Most programs highlighted a need for a dedicated arts budget.

Opportunities for Engagement

Additional opportunities for students to participate in the arts may include field trips, guest artists, and out-of-school performances. The majority of schools offer no additional opportunities for arts engagement to their students.
To view all reported data, visit the comprehensive dashboard here.

For More Information

To support CAP’s efforts to ensure access to arts education for all students in Northeast Florida, contact Dr. Lucy Chen, VP of Advocacy and Community Engagement, at lucy@capkids.org.

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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