School Outreach Programs
The ICA’s school outreach programs are dedicated to enriching students' educational experiences by bringing the world of art into the classroom and inviting students to explore it firsthand through field trips. Our programs are designed to align with educational curricula and California content standards, offering interactive and engaging learning opportunities that inspire creativity and critical thinking. Through the Valise Project, teaching artists go directly to classrooms, where they provide tailored lessons and workshops that connect students with contemporary art that they can see and touch. In Explore & Make field trips, students are guided through curated exhibitions and engage in discussions that deepen their understanding of art and its cultural significance. All of our outreach programs include a hands-on art-making component, and aim to make art accessible to all students in order to support their overall academic and personal growth.
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The Valise Project
In Class
Bring an interactive art experience into your classroom!
The Valise Project is inspired by renowned 20th century French artist, Marcel Duchamp, who designed miniatures of his works and carried them in suitcases to share with others. Each valise provides students a complete experience: from seeing, discussing, and touching the art to creating works of their own. With curricular connections to math, language arts, social studies and science, the Valise Project offers a powerful interdisciplinary learning opportunity. Our teaching artist will bring a valise to your classroom (virtually or in-person) and lead a project focused on the valise in an interactive 2-hour session. The Valise Project is graciously supported by Nordson Corporation Foundation, California Arts Council’s Arts in Schools Program, and the City of Carlsbad’s Community Art Program.
Register NowExplore + Make
Field Trips (K-12)
Interactive tour that includes a 90-minute exploration of the gallery and art making activity.
Bring your class to ICA San Diego! Your field trip will include a tour of ICA San Diego led by a teaching artist. Students will have the opportunity to look closely, question, and share perspectives about contemporary art. We will work closely with your group’s specific needs including a hands-on art project inspired by the current exhibition. When: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 2 pm by appointment Where: ICA San Diego North and ICA San Diego Central.
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