Center for the Advancement of Art Education

Join us in advancing research, empowering educators, and driving continuous innovation.

Vision

Through our unwavering commitment to research, collaboration, and innovation, we aspire to advance both the field of art education and the development of best-in-class resources, ultimately fostering a global community of empowered educators and inspired learners.

“The Center for the Advancement of Art Education is instrumental in AOE’s mission, providing evidence-based insights and driving continuous innovation to ensure art educators lead with excellence.”

Brent Bingham, AOE CEO & President

Advocacy Resources

Visual Arts Advantage Report

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The Link Between Literacy & Art

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Unique Benefits of Art Disciplines

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The Academic Benefits of Fine Motor

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The Impact of Visual Arts on Literacy

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State of Art Education Survey Results

Each year, The Art of Education University gathers and analyzes feedback from thousands of art educators to better understand the evolving landscape of visual arts education. These insights inform advocacy, policy, and practice across the field.

Explore the full collection of insights

AOEU Research Fellows

Daniel Bowen, Ph.D.

Dr. Daniel Bowen serves as an Associate Professor in Texas A&M University’s Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development. He is also a Research Affiliate at Rice University’s Houston Education Research Consortium. Dr. Bowen co-directs the Arts, Humanities, & Civic Engagement Lab—supported by the National Endowment for the Arts—and Texas A&M’s Education Research Center. His research focuses on the role and impact of the arts in education, exploring cause-and-effect relationships between arts exposure and student outcomes. In his free time, Daniel enjoys attending concerts, traveling, cooking, and reading. His future goals include expanding research on how the arts contribute to civic and educational engagement.

Learn more:
Arts, Humanities, & Civic Engagement Lab

Robin Vande Zande, Ph.D.

Dr. Robin Vande Zande is a Professor Emeritus at Kent State University, specializing in design thinking and design-based learning from PreK through higher education. She is the author of Design Education: Creating Thinkers to Improve the World and co-author of Fashion Fundamentals, alongside numerous articles and chapters. Robin has served as a keynote or featured speaker at over 75 events and has led workshops internationally. She is a Fulbright Specialist (2019–2021), a National Art Education Association (NAEA) Distinguished Fellow, and a recipient of the NAEA Lowenfeld Award. Her research interests include design thinking, dementia and design, and arts education policy. She enjoys exercise, yoga, hiking, traveling, and playing pool in her free time. Robin’s future goals include providing resources that guide teachers in integrating design into education across all levels.

Learn more:
Design Education: Creating Thinkers to Improve the World

Tim Lowke, M.Ed.

Tim Lowke holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Southwest Texas State University. With over 35 years of experience in K–12 and museum education, he serves as the Director of Fine Arts – Visual Arts for Round Rock ISD. An NAEA School for Art Leaders graduate, Tim has held leadership roles within the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA), including serving as President. He is a published author, working artist, and longtime faculty member of The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria. His research explores the role of sense of belonging within art education. Tim’s hobbies include painting, drawing, and creating art. He aims to continue building his professional art practice while empowering art educators through leadership.

Learn more:
Visit Tim’s Portfolio

Dr. Veronica Alvarez

Dr. Veronica Alvarez is the Executive Director of Create CA, where she advocates for equitable access to arts education for all students across California. She has worked in arts education for over 20 years, serving in leadership roles at CalArts and the Getty and LACMA museums. Veronica has also consulted for the Kennedy Center, UCLA, and the U.S. State Department on arts and education initiatives. Her work focuses on culturally relevant curricula, inclusive teaching practices, and decolonizing education. She is a published author, speaker, and currently serves as the Southern Area Co-Director for CAEA and Vice President of the Board at the Museum of Neon Art. Veronica enjoys reading, spending time with her two sons and Boston Terrier, and discovering new books weekly. Her future goal is to ensure all six million California students have access to the full spectrum of the arts.

Learn more:
Good Teaching is Good Teaching: English Learners and Museums

Brian Kisida, Ph.D.

Dr. Brian Kisida is an Associate Professor in the Truman School of Government & Public Affairs at the University of Missouri. He co-directs the Arts, Humanities, & Civic Engagement Research Lab, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. His work explores how the arts foster pro-social attitudes and behaviors, deepen student and family engagement, and build social and emotional skills. Brian’s research is driven by the belief that the arts play a vital role in shaping civic perspectives and supporting a healthy democracy. Outside of work, he enjoys playing guitar, writing music, and cycling.

Learn more:
Arts, Humanities, & Civic Engagement Lab