Elevating Art and Community Engagement: The Art That Moves People Initiative in Texas

The Art That Moves People initiative, a collaborative effort between Aldine ISD and Houston METRO, has been featured in the May/June 2024 edition of Texas School Business magazine. This program encourages students to create bus shelter artworks that reflect their school pride and inspire future artistic pursuits. Through this competition, students are challenged to consider how their artwork can impact their community and become a public display that connects their work to their school campus. Winning designs are displayed in local METRO bus shelters, creating a permanent fixture in the community and instilling pride in the school while inspiring future artists and exciting the community.

The contest is open to all students participating in Aldine ISD’s Visual Arts program. Students are encouraged to create bus shelter artworks that showcase their cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and the values of their school. The competition aims to foster unity and a sense of belonging among students by promoting inclusivity and diversity. The judges use a rubric to evaluate the designs based on factors such as creativity, cultural relevance, and community impact.

Kaileigh Newman, Director of Visual Arts at Aldine ISD, emphasizes the importance of this initiative in validating students’ artistic abilities, building an arts community, and providing a platform for students to express their cultural identity. She believes that art can be used as a tool for social change and encourages students to create art that reflects their experiences and perspectives. By participating in this contest, students not only develop their artistic skills but also contribute to their community by sharing their unique stories through art installations.

To read more about this initiative or view examples of student designs visit Texas School Business (Pages 24-24).