Arts Access Honored the Local Arts and Education Leaders
Arts Access Honored the Local Arts and Education Leaders Whose Vision and Collaboration Made This Historic AgreementPhoto Credit: Adrian Gonzalez

Miami-Dade Schools Forge Historic Arts Education Alliance with Arts Access Miami

A Transformative New Partnership Expands Equitable Access to Arts Education Across the Nation’s Third-Largest School District

Source: Art Access Miami

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

Miami, FL – June 19, 2025 — In a milestone moment for arts education, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and Arts Access Miami (AAM) have launched a landmark districtwide initiative aimed at reshaping how students engage with the arts. The newly signed Letter of Understanding unites the school system with a coalition of leading community arts organizations to ensure every student—regardless of zip code—has access to consistent, high-quality arts programming.

The initiative, described as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” by Young Musicians Unite COO Zach Larmer, is rooted in a simple but powerful premise: the arts are not enrichment—they are essential.

Zach Larmer, Dr. Jose L. Dotres, and Sammy Gonzalez Zeira
Zach Larmer, COO - YMU; Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent - M-DCPS; Sammy Gonzalez Zeira - CEO & Founder - YMUPhoto Credit: Adrian Gonzalez

A Strategic Commitment to Creativity

Arts Access Miami will now serve as the district’s official strategic partner for arts education development. The alliance includes respected organizations like Arts For Learning, Miami Music Project, and Guitars Over Guns, delivering integrated programming in music, dance, visual and media arts, and theater.

“This partnership affirms our belief that the arts are not a luxury, they’re a necessity. We’re proud to co-author and fully support this bold new model with some of the most impactful community organizations in our region.”

Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of M-DCPS

The agreement was celebrated with a formal signing ceremony on June 10, where local leaders and educators gathered to honor the initiative’s founding partners. Dr. Dotres personally recognized community contributors with on-stage awards during the event, highlighting the shared dedication driving the effort forward.

West Little River K-8 Center Drumline
West Little River K-8 Center Drumline Photo Credit: Adrian Gonzalez
Arts Access Honored the Local Arts and Education Leaders
Lincoln Road Art Walk Returns June 19 with Culture, Cocktails, and Community

Expanding Access Where It’s Needed Most

Key objectives of the Arts Access partnership include:

  • Bringing more arts programs to under-resourced schools

  • Piloting innovative instructional models pairing nonprofit teaching artists with certified educators

  • Offering robust professional development for arts instructors

  • Creating unified systems for data tracking and strategic growth

The work ahead is ambitious. By 2028, AAM plans to scale programming throughout Central, West, and East Miami-Dade, with initial expansions targeting the Norland and South Ridge feeder patterns.

Evolutionary Arts Duo Performing at the LOU Event
Evolutionary Arts Duo Performing at the LOU EventPhoto Credit: Adrian Gonzalez

A Blueprint for the Future of Arts Education

Backed by philanthropist Daniel R. Lewis and fiscally supported by The Miami Foundation, AAM is incubated by Young Musicians Unite, a nonprofit dedicated to building sustainable arts programs in Miami schools. This structure not only supports creative programming but also addresses systemic issues—like the national shortage of certified arts educators—through partnerships with local colleges and universities.

More than a teaching tool, the arts are being framed here as a foundation for community, identity, and future opportunity. As Miami-Dade continues to break ground in educational excellence, this initiative adds cultural capital to the district’s evolving legacy.
Claudia Montalvo, Choral Director - Vocal Youth Miami.
Claudia Montalvo, Choral Director - Vocal Youth Miami.Photo Credit: Adrian Gonzalez

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