Turnaround Arts California

During a recent visit at our partner Westlake Middle School in Oakland, their Arts Leadership Team shared stories of how integrating the arts at their school gives their students the tools to express themselves, leading to better attendance and deeper engagement within the school community. When students have the opportunity to create, they shine! ✨⁠
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Thank you to Dr. Taylor, Kamisha, Timothy, and André for your partnership and hosting our visit. We don't have all the answers to the systemic challenges our public schools face—we can solve them together through deep collaboration. 🤝🌟⁠
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In Chula Vista, we've been working with Finney Elementary School to support teacher collaboration through TACA's Lesson Lab program. Together, and with the support of our partners at Arts Education Connection San Diego, teachers are designing a creative learning experience for their first and second grade students—mapping out a visual arts integrated unit that brings students on a journey through math, social studies, and literacy. ⁠
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We are so proud to partner with teachers who use creativity to make learning accessible, engaging, and more equitable for every student. 🗺️🎨

We're celebrating the incredible artistic legacy of David Hockney.

In 2017 he spent time at Turnaround Arts Partner School Costaño Elementary in East Palo Alto, helping students create beautiful still lifes of flowers on iPads.

Visits with renowned artists like Hockney have provided important opportunities for students to learn about new art forms and envision their own creative career paths. We will always be grateful to David Hockney for sharing his artistic gift with our students. 💜

The arts are alive and well at Del Mar Elementary in Santa Cruz! During a recent visit, we witnessed the joy pouring over the classrooms and into the school’s magic garden where strawberries are growing! 🍓✨⁠
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It’s powerful to witness the deep impact that creativity is having on these students. The energy was so infectious that our Program Manager, Chelsey, said, "I didn’t want to leave!" 🎨🌱⁠
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We love seeing our school partners use the arts to weave learning, nature, and community together to create a space where students can thrive.⁠
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CruzSchools

California’s 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Awardee and Turnaround Arts California partner school, Echo Valley Elementary () hosted their annual “Flipper Fest” bringing students, teachers, and family members together for a celebration of the arts, featuring student DJ Cinnamin and DJ Curley from the All Hands on Deck DJ Club, student Aztec and Baile folklorico performances, and hands-on arts activities for all.

Scroll through to see the joy that the arts and creativity bring to our school communities!

"The Turnaround Arts Program has re-ignited my love and enthusiasm for teaching."
— Teacher, McKinley Elementary, Compton

Teachers enter this profession to make a difference, and they deserve tools that actually help them do it.

We're raising funds to bring those tools to more classrooms. Donate today—in any amount—and you'll be invited to leave a tribute honoring a teacher who made learning meaningful for you.🧑‍🎓All donations are still being matched dollar-for-dollar!

🍎An investment in teachers is an investment in our future.
Help us give the next generation of students a teacher who lights them up! 🌟

TACA celebrated Arts Advocacy Day in April at the Capitol in Sacramento to educate state lawmakers on the power of the arts for our communities, share our challenges, and discuss policy solutions. Our Program Director, Sandy Seufert, met with Diana Morales from SELA Arts Foundation and Assembly Member José Luiz Solache (District 62) to share why it’s important to provide oversight for Prop 28 funds. Assembly Member Solache also happens to be an alumni of one of our partner schools, Washington Elementary in Lynwood!

We are incredibly grateful for leaders who understand firsthand the lifelong impact of an arts education. 🌟👏

We see art as the catalyst that lights up minds, reveals potential, encourages self-expression, and opens hearts to new possibilities. 💡🧠

By fostering curiosity and innovation, we believe we will be best positioned to creatively solve the challenges facing our public school system.

✨Our Vision: A world where the arts unlock every student’s potential.

✨Our Mission: Turnaround Arts California integrates the arts and creativity in underserved schools—to inspire students, empower teachers, engage families, and transform learning.

✨Our Values: Growth, Equity, Collaboration, Creativity, and Joy.