header photo by lauren villanueva / ucla artsWelcome to the UCLA Visual and Performing Arts Education Program (VAPAE)
The VAPAE Program offers arts education courses, community arts programs, internships, special projects, and public presentations for students and the community at large. VAPAE’s mission is to expose UCLA undergraduates to the theories and practices of arts education. Additionally, VAPAE provides UCLA students experiential opportunities to bring culturally equitable and inclusive arts education into schools and communities throughout Los Angeles. VAPAE builds and shares knowledge to highlight the importance of arts education in a diverse society.
The team at VAPAE believes that the arts and arts education are transformational for both individuals and society as a whole, and should be part of every child's complete education, regardless of zip code or circumstance. Through high quality arts education, VAPAE equips UCLA undergraduate students with the tools to cultivate civic and community engagement and builds bridges between UCLA Teaching Artists and the surrounding Los Angeles community.
Explore VAPAE
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Courses & Schedule
VAPAE offers courses designed to introduce undergraduates to key issues and methodologies in the field of arts education and to a broad range of careers in the arts, including K-12 teaching, community arts education, museum education, art therapy, and arts advocacy.
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VAPAE Minor
18 undergraduates per year declare a minor in arts education. To date, 190 students have graduated with a VAPAE minor at UCLA. VAPAE minor applications are accepted on a rolling basis, due by the Friday of Week 5 each quarter.
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Community Arts Programs
In response to pressing needs in our local schools, and the role the arts play in COVID-19 pandemic healing, VAPAE’s Community Arts Programs offer students in the Los Angeles area supportive and constructive arts activities.
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Faculty & Staff
VAPAE faculty and staff are a diverse team of practicing artists and scholars trained in contemporary arts pedagogy, committed to social justice and community engagement through the arts.
Follow us on Instagram @uclavapae
Donate to VAPAE
Your support can help provide free education to K-12 students in Los Angeles public schools and community centers, sponsor events and community arts programs, and more. We thank you for your support!
