Living Cultures Assembly Program
History. Culture. Community. Connection
Arts For The Schools’ Living Cultures Assembly Program brings exceptional artists, musicians, dancers, storytellers, and culture-bearers directly into middle and high schools—connecting students with the living traditions, histories, and contemporary voices that shape our communities and our world.
From African American music and history to Latin and Mexican heritage, First Nations traditions, Brazilian and global music, dance, storytelling, and more, students experience culture through the people and art forms that carry these traditions forward.
These aren’t lectures. They’re live, interactive cultural experiences.
Through performance, storytelling, student participation, and conversation, each assembly explores the connections between music, art, history, identity, place, and community—giving students an opportunity to experience cultures and artistic traditions they may otherwise never encounter.
ASSEMBLY OFFERINGs FY 26/27
Arts Education + Cultural Connection
African American Cultural Pathways
Music • History • Identity • Innovation
Celebrating the powerful influence of African American artists, musicians, storytellers, and cultural traditions—from spirituals, gospel, blues, and jazz to today’s contemporary voices.
Living Cultures programs are designed to complement Visual & Performing Arts, History–Social Science, English Language Arts, and Social-Emotional Learning, creating meaningful connections between the classroom and the stage.
Most importantly, Arts For The Schools provides these experiences equitably and accessibly, bringing professional artists and culturally rich programming directly to students—including those in rural and historically underserved schools.
One stage. Many cultures. A world of connection.
Latin Cultural Pathways
Music • Heritage • Language • Community
Exploring the vibrant music, traditions, stories, and cultural heritage of Mexico, Latin America, and Latin communities across the United States.
First Nations Cultural Pathways
Tradition • Storytelling • Land • Living Culture
Connecting students with Indigenous artists and culture-bearers through music, storytelling, history, language, and traditions that honor both ancestral knowledge and contemporary Native life.