MAAE, founded in 1980 by representatives from the arts and education communities, grew out of a desire to support arts education programs in public schools across Massachusetts. Throughout its existence, MAAE has worked closely with the Massachusetts Board of Education to develop a strong, arts based curriculum and with the Massachusetts Cultural Council to advocate for the arts in Massachusetts.

Over the years, we have instituted successful public awareness campaigns, the most recent called "Strong Arts = Strong Schools," which was designed to bring to the attention of parents, legislators, educators, and citizens the importance of arts education. Our on-going conference series, titled "Leading with the Arts," shares best practices among Massachusetts arts educators. And every spring, we honor individuals and organizations for exemplary achievement in arts education in a ceremony at the Massachusetts State House.

MAAE educates about, advocates for, and supports the importance of lifelong learning in and through the arts by building an alliance and creating a network among individuals, organizations, and institutions.
View a timeline of MAAE's history.

In partnership with
The National Arts and Learning Collaborative

Funded in part by
The Boston Foundation
The Massachusetts Cultural Council
The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

A Member of
The Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education

Located at
NALC/Walnut Hill School