Stick With Art!
Popsicle has championed imaginative play through art for decades
Challenge
Arts education has proven invaluable to kids’ short term and long-term success . While 88% of Americans agree that arts education is an essential component of a well-rounded education there has been a persistent, inequitable decline in arts education funding nationwide over the last four decades.
Insight
Reductions in arts programs in schools have disproportionately impacted BIPOC and low-income students. Black + Latino students have experienced more than a 40% reduction in arts funding since the 1980s, compared to no reduction for White students.
Idea
Popsicle created the Stick with Art! Contest to help bridge this gap in arts education funding by supporting visual arts educators through an online contest and grant program. We invited art teachers at low-income schools to create Popsicle-stick creations with their kids for a chance to win arts funding for their students.
Quotes of Impact
“The excitement in the auditorium and [from] educators, their schools (and their students) was wholly evident. Popsicle’s impact on art education and our students will be profound”
Former President of the NAEA Board of Directors
“I can finally share the exciting news that through a collaboration between Popsicle, the NAEA and their #stickwithartcontest, I won $20,000 to promote and support the art program at my school! I am beyond excited and grateful!!!!”
Winning Art Teacher from Adams Elementary
“My passion for visual art runs deep,” she said. “Having your passion acknowledged in such a positive way is a unique experience that I hope everyone reading this has the opportunity to enjoy in their life time”
Winning Art Teacher from Hiawatha Elementary
“I was honored to be presented with a $10,000 check at the National Art Education Association 2023 Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Thank you for this honor and tremendous opportunity!”
Winning Art Teacher from Arlington Elementary
Additional Imagery
The Results
$500k
Committed to help close the Arts Education Gap over the next 3 years.
1.4M
Impressions across social and 18 earned placements to date.
895+
Contest Entries submitted with 200 more submitted after the contest wrapped.