AMFA and Little Rock School District Launch Strategic Partnership for Student Enrichment

New Program Ensures All Fourth Graders Visit AMFA

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) and Little Rock School District (LRSD) together announced today the launch of the “AMFA 4th Grade School Tour Program,” a collaborative new initiative ensuring all LRSD fourth graders have access to visiting the museum during the 2023-2024 school year. The AMFA 4th Grade School Tour Program guarantees LRSD’s estimated 1,575 fourth grade students will enjoy a docent-guided school tour at AMFA.

“The museum is an important partner in education for our community, its educators, and its students,” says AMFA’s Executive Director, Dr. Victoria Ramirez. “The AMFA 4th Grade School Tour Program is a clear demonstration that art and learning in a museum setting are essential tools for students’ growth and development, allowing each child to see themselves within the art and grasp the value that creativity holds in our society and culture.”

In the important transition from third to fifth grade, studies show students become more independent and self-aware. At this critical age, students are able to understand new points of view and develop longer attention spans, often equating their sense of creativity with the ability to create art.

Through a series of engaging discussions and activities that support self-expression and self-confidence, AMFA docents help students connect to the art on view and learn about the ideas, media, and processes of artists.

“Our docents – many of whom are educators or former educators – understand the impact and the power of art on children’s imagination. Students are presented with new perspectives and diverse viewpoints, building curiosity and investigative skills during this critical time in their growth and academic career,” explains AMFA’s Director of Community Engagement, Chris Revelle.  

This strategic alliance between AMFA and LRSD aims to enhance student education through early exposure to the arts while bolstering the thriving arts sector in Central Arkansas.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to AMFA for their invaluable partnership, which not only enriches the lives of our students, but also reflects their deep commitment to providing all children – especially those who may not have the chance otherwise – with the opportunity to experience the wonder of a museum of this caliber right in our own backyard,” shared LRSD Superintendent, Dr. Jermall Wright. “This beautiful facility is helping us #ReimagineLRSD through powerful partnerships and connecting our students to a creative world of endless possibilities.”

AMFA 4th Grade School Tour Program is supported by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation; Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Board of Directors; Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Board of Trustees; Windgate Foundation; City of Little Rock; City of North Little Rock; and Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photos from the press conference may be accessed in AMFA's press kit.