Abstract

This thesis provides an inside look at the dynamics of museum/school partnerships. One of the more successful of these programs is Arrimage, a program which combines art and academic subject matter geared to enhance problem solving skills, cognitive development, and to sensitize children to art and its history. My research centers on the Arrimage partnership (musée d'art contemporain de Montreal), and examines the key components of positive, interactive relationships with art educators in museums and schools. I conducted three in-depth interviews with key, but diverse Arrimage participants, each conducted in their respective institutions; one museum school educator, one generalist school-teacher and one art specialist. The generalist school teacher and art specialist worked together in the same school. Each participant was strategically chosen for the purpose of gaining as much knowledge as possible about museum/school partnerships. The three interviews were transcribed and analyzed for a different and/or a similar working knowledge of the partnership. My research shows that when schools and museums partner their resources, students benefit from art education with increased artistic skills and self-awareness; learning through the arts can shape the future of education. A successful museum/school partnership is a comprehensive and creative way for students to have a hands-on and inspiring experience in art education.