Creative Teaching. Lifelong Learning.

Since 1957, Gateway to the Arts has transformed the lives of over 7,500,000 pre-kindergarten – 12th grade students through active participation in the arts.

Dedicated to serving students, educators, artists and families in 15 counties of western Pennsylvania, Gateway to the Arts partners with professional performing and visual artists to transform children’s and youth’s lives and education through active participation in the arts — in schools, libraries, community centers — wherever learning is taking place. With a variety of programs for early childhood, K-12, family and community audiences, Gateway to the Arts’ performances, artist residencies, arts learning partnerships, and professional development activities offer many ways to address academic achievement and developmental goals and objectives through arts integrated learning and meaningful encounters with works of art. The value of this work goes beyond exposure to and participation in the arts. It results in the practice of critical thinking, creative expression, self-confidence, a larger world view, an appreciation of diversity, and ultimately a lifelong passion for learning.

National Affiliations

Gateway to the Arts is a proud affiliate of Young Audiences Arts for Learning and the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts.

Young Audiences Arts for Learning is the nation’s first and largest arts in education network. Since 1952 they have been committed to making the arts an essential part of young people’s education by bringing them together with professional artists of all disciplines to learn, create and participate in the arts.

Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts is an internationally respected program that provides innovative arts-based teaching strategies and services to early childhood teachers, caregivers, parents, and their children from 0 to 5 through the disciplines of drama, music, and movement.