Partners in the Arts

Why do educators consistently say this course is the best PD they've ever had?

Because we teach our content in the ways we're asking them to teach their content: creative, experiential, collaborative, reflective.

Our exciting line-up of workshops will unlock tools for all grade levels and subject areas to engage and empower students. Learn more and register here: bit.ly/joanoatesinstitute

Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12, 2026
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
On-site at the University of Richmond

Want to join a team from your division at summer training, then plan and implement a school-year project with a visiting expert/artist? Fill out our interest form on this page: bit.ly/joifil-pia All costs are supported by the Partners in the Arts Consortium membership!

Watch highlights from last year's summer institute:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIZtWruNI4Y

UR School of Professional & Continuing Studies 1 like. "Joan Oates Institute for Partners in the Arts"

Simply the best… we’ll all miss you.

Breaking: Bill Martin, Valentine Director, dies after traffic accident. He was 71 years old.

In a press release issued Sunday afternoon, Richmond Police identified Martin as a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle at approximately 2:10 p.m. Saturday while walking in a crosswalk at East Broad and North 10th streets. The driver remained at the scene; charges are pending.

Martin, who was Style Weekly's Richmonder of the Year just last year, spent three decades at the helm of Richmond’s history museum. Story link in comments. (Note: A longer remembrance from Style is forthcoming.)

Statement from Richmond Mayor Danny Avula:

"I’m heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend, Bill Martin, who died Sunday after being struck by a driver. Bill was a Richmond icon, an historian who worked tirelessly to tell Richmond’s stories in new and lasting ways, with a particular passion for telling the fullness of our City’s complex history, but always pointing us forward.

Bill's passing is a tremendous loss for our community. I will miss him dearly, and I take comfort in the enduring legacy he leaves behind in the city he so thoughtfully served."

Important and powerful work in Slow Journalism- closely observing and connecting to the humans and truths in our world…

2025 Crowdfund Movie Into the Americas: In 2013, two-time Pulitzer Prize winning writer Paul Salopek set out from the Rift Valley of Ethiopia—one of the cradles of humankind—to…

Help us continue to support educators and artists working together to support ALL learners!

Partners in the Arts (PIA) - University of Richmond SPCS Partners in the Arts

Great workshop with Modlin Center for the Arts connecting Barefoot Puppet Theatre with PK-12 educators working on storytelling and character development.

Join us for a powerful presentation and panel discussion with musician, human rights activist, and founder of Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), Arn Chorn-Pond. Hear his inspiring story of resilience, healing, and the power of the arts to connect communities.
📅 Friday, October 17
🕒 3–5pm
📍 Perkins Recital Hall, University of Richmond


University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies

So many great opportunities and events!

Teachers, stop by and see us at the Teacher Resource Fair this Saturday!

Don't let September pass you by! 🚙 Add these Science Museum events to your calendar so you don't miss a thing:

🍎September 13, Teacher Resource Fair
Learn about field trips, programming and educator resources.
🦅September 17, Senior Mornings
Join us for bird watching and nature photography.
🎵September 18, Laser Show: David Bowie
Back by popular demand!
💸September 23, $10 Day
Ring in the first full day of fall with $10 general admission.
🌒September 26, Science After Dark: Well Made
Celebrate the science of locally made art.

Check out the full event listings on our website:
https://smv.org/explore/things-to-do/?things_to_do_type=eventpage

🎉👏 A huge thank you to our 2025 summer interns from Virginia Commonwealth University!

Meet the team:
✨ Karis – Graphic Design & Marketing
✨ Nicole – Communications & Marketing
✨ Sara – Kinetic Imaging & Writing

Over the summer, they:
✅ Helped the Joan Oates Institute run smoothly
✅ Brought creativity to our social media
✅ Documented workshops
✅ Supported educators and artists

Their skills, energy, and fresh ideas made such an impact at Partners in the Arts. We’re so grateful for all their hard work—and excited to see where their talents take them next! 🌟

We want to engage with you! Find out how at https://spcs.richmond.edu/professional-education/areas/teaching-instruction/partners-arts/engage-with-pia.html

VCUarts The Robertson School of Communication University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies

Welcome back teachers! PIA kicked off the year at with an overview. Welcome Dr. Younger!