Arts Education Leadership Summit

We’re convening a diverse group of school administrators, district and county officials, and educational leaders, who share an interest in advancing Arts Education across all grade levels. Our goal is to serve a broad definition of “Arts Education Leader,” including anyone who plays an active role in shaping, supporting, and sustaining high-quality arts learning in schools—through policy and vision-setting, curriculum development and implementation, program leadership, resource allocation, and the creation of systems that empower students and educators to thrive creatively.

The Summit experience will include a mix of keynote presentations, workshops, discussion groups, and networking opportunities, featuring administrators and leaders from schools and districts across the state. Participants will engage with case studies highlighting best practices and learn from a range of successful models across diverse educational settings. Specific attention will be paid to leveraging the resources of the California County Superintendents Arts Initiative, a network of county and regional arts education leaders supporting schools and districts across California.

Disney Live Entertainment is the global production team that brings the magic of Disney to life for our theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other destinations. The collective talent employed rivals that of the largest theatre companies in the world, integrating visual, musical, and performing artists of all types. We have a longstanding history of participation in the Arts Education community, recognizing the vital role educators play in the ongoing development of our audiences and cast members alike. By setting the Summit in the heart of our theme parks (using in-park performance and rehearsal venues, rather than conference or classroom facilities), we hope to immerse participants in a world of interdisciplinary collaboration. As host of the Summit, we hope to provide a setting where Arts Education leaders can see, feel, and explore cross-sector dynamics at work, engage in experiences that deepen professional relationships, and spark lasting change, all while being reminded that the Arts—at their core—are about wonder, connection, and play.

Registration opens soon. Click the pre-registration link above and you will be notified as soon as you are able to purchase. Your registration will include your theme park admission and parking on April 23 and 24. Meals, travel, and lodging are not included. You may elect to book rooms at an on-site hotel or choose to stay elsewhere. Tickets are also available if you wish to extend park access to anyone traveling with you, or add days for yourself beyond April 23 and 24. A link to on-site lodging options and additional park tickets will be provided to those who register. Space is limited. Registration opens soon!

• All sessions will take place at venues inside Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. Those registered will receive a two-day park ticket good for admission on April 23 and 24 only. You’ll enter the park as a guest in the morning and make your way to the day’s starting point by 9 am.
• Specific session details are being finalized, and will be shared with registrants as they develop.
• Note that your registration for the Summit is a commitment to attend and actively participate in the scheduled sessions, from approximately 9 am to 5:30 pm each day. We’ll squeeze in fun throughout the day, and you’ll have a lunch break on your own to enjoy your favorite Disney fare.
• Following each day’s closing session, you will have the rest of the parks’ regular operating day to explore, join family and friends, or attend an optional evening gathering.
• If you would like to purchase park tickets for family or friends traveling with you, there will be a link provided, as well as the option to book on-site hotel accommodations. For those driving, theme park parking is included with your Summit registration. You might also opt to stay at one of the many Good Neighbor Hotels in the surrounding area.
• If you’d like to extend your stay and enjoy park access before or after April 23 and 24, you can purchase additional tickets. You do not need to purchase park admission for yourself on those two dates, though. Your $450 registration includes park access for yourself to both parks on both days of the Summit.