Arts education benefits children beyond academics, fostering cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth, especially for first-generation learners and those from resource-poor communities. Established in 2007 to encourage secondary school completion in government and aided schools, the Salaam Bombay Arts Academy builds life skills through the arts. Adolescents spend three years learning an art form — Indian Classical Dance, Western Contemporary Dance, Theatre, Creative Arts, or Music—alongside 10 essential life skills. Classes are held after school within school premises, ensuring accessibility. This holistic approach equips children with confidence, creativity, and resilience, leading to aspirational and improved future outcomes. This paper presents the journeys of five students, one from each academy, highlighting the transformative impact of the Arts Academies. Stories were shortlisted and finalized based on maximum variation and intensity sampling. Outcome mapping technique tracked progress across individual, group (family, peers), and community levels. Field notes and internal reports underwent qualitative open coding and analysis, capturing the multifaceted influence of arts education on children's lives. The data highlights that the Arts Academies fostered self-expression through experiential learning, enabling students to learn and hone technical art skills while showcasing their talents. This process developed their communication abilities and boosted their self-confidence. Their stories illustrate how art strengthened their resilience, helping them navigate personal challenges constructively. They also cultivated initiative, empathy, and leadership qualities. Ultimately, this journey of self-discovery has transformed them into articulate, confident leaders ready to face the world.

Authors:
Rajashree Kadam, Salaam Bombay Foundation, India
Manasi Bawadekar, Salaam Bombay Foundation, India
Rupali Satavase, Salaam Bombay Foundation, India

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Rajashree Sandeep Kadam is working at Salaam Bombay Foundation as the Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for the Arts and Media Programme. She previously worked with Meljol, an organization focused on child rights.

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

Bookmark