The CPS Department of Arts Education encourages and supports robust collaborations between CPS schools and community arts organizations and teaching artists that bring the rich cultural resources of Chicago into the district’s classrooms.
CPS is committed to ensuring that partner policies and resources address the best interests of our students and our valued partner community. Below, partners who are currently approved to work in CPS schools can find important safety and security and procurement policies and resources.
If you or your organization are not currently approved to work in CPS schools but would like to become a partner, please visit our Prospective Partners page.
Arts Partnership in SY2023-24
No-Cost Service Agreements
Arts Partners that provide in-school, no-cost services must complete the Arts No Cost Service Provider Agreement 2023-2024* through DocuSign before services begin.
*PLEASE NOTE: The new agreement for SY23-24 is still awaiting CPS Law approval. The new DocuSign form will be posted here once it is approved.
For questions or assistance with this form agreement please email artsvendors@cps.edu.
Out-of-School Time
Please note the agreement above is for services provided during school hours only. Use the Out of School Time Agreement for all services provided after school hours. Questions on OST can be sent to ostprograms@cps.edu.
Professional Learning and Other Partner Supports from Ingenuity
The CPS Department of Arts Education partners with Ingenuity, a national leader in arts data collection and mapping, strategy, advocacy, and partnerships related to arts education. Ingenuity offers unparalleled support to current and potential CPS arts partners and teaching artists across the city, including:
- Professional learning opportunities
- Networking opportunities with CPS teachers and administrators
- Arts Partner Standards of Practice to help arts organizations, program managers, and teaching artists diagnose their current practices, establish a vision for increased quality arts education, and create plans for implementation
Ingenuity also maintains artlook Map®, which facilitates connections between schools and community partners and provides all stakeholders—schools, partners, funders, government agencies, and others—with robust data about arts education across the city.