Session G1. Let’s Play! Developing Arts Learning Programming Rooted in Creative Exploration

Presenters:
Alex Novak Foster, Education Manager, Arts for Learning Connecticut
Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development, Arts for Learning Connecticut 

Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) offers a session exploring the development of a new after-school program centered on creative expression and student-led learning. This presentation will guide participants through our program design process—from initial needs assessment and visioning to curriculum development, staffing, and implementation. We will share the resources and tools we’ve created to support teaching artists and school partners, including adaptable lesson frameworks, evaluation approaches, and strategies for building equitable, student-centered learning environments. Attendees will gain insight into our early outcomes, challenges, and successes, and leave with practical considerations for building or refining their own arts-based after-school initiatives.