REIMAGINE LEARNING

Turnaround Arts California integrates the arts and creativity in underserved schools — to inspire students, empower teachers, engage families, and transform learning.

Join us in unlocking every student’s potential.

News

Turnaround Arts California Closing in August 2026

A statement from Turnaround Arts California’s Board of Directors: Twelve years ago, Frank Gehry had a vision to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation in students. This led to the creation of Turnaround Arts California, an ambitious program to harness the power of the arts to benefit students and build thriving, creative school communities. We are…

RESEARCH REVEALS THE NEED FOR ARTS IN SCHOOLS

91%
of teachers at TACA partner schools report that the arts have a positive impact on academic learning

Students with an arts education are:*

5x Less likely to drop out of school

4x More likely to be recognized for academic achievement

4x More likely to receive a bachelor’s degree

The arts encourage students to come to school and stay in school, and help them develop important 21st century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration that prepare them for success in life and future careers.

Learn More

“

Every child should have access to art and creativity in school.

No matter what career path they choose, this creative play sets them up to trust their instincts, believe in themselves and to solve problems. I was afforded this as a child, and it changed my life.”

- Frank Gehry

89%

of California public schools are

not offering arts education

as mandated by state law

“

Arts education isn’t something we add on after we’ve achieved other priorities

like raising test scores and getting kids into college. It’s actually critical for achieving those priorities in the first place. That’s what the Turnaround Arts program is all about.

- Former First Lady, Michelle Obama

Schools in underserved communities

are disproportionately impacted

by lack of access to the arts in school.

Data from LA County shows that schools with higher percentages of English learners and low income students offer less and lower quality arts instruction.

“

The Turnaround Arts Program has reignited my love and enthusiasm for teaching.

- Teacher, McKinley Elementary

“

It’s exciting to watch a kid embrace their own sense of possibility.

So many kids today feel limited by their environment. When you help them get in touch with their creativity and their potential, they begin to realize that they have the power to create new circumstances.

- Kerry Washington

What We Do

UNLOCKING STUDENT POTENTIAL THROUGH THE ARTS

Teachers at TACA partner schools say that the arts have a positive impact on:

96%

student engagement

91%

academic learning

93%

self-confidence, collaboration skills, and more

94%

school culture and atmosphere

Since 2014, TACA has served 35 public elementary and middle schools, reached 35,513 students and supported 2,026 teachers and principals. But it’s not all about the numbers. Read stories of the impact TACA has had on individual schools, students and families.

See Our Impact