Art for Educator by Saturday Art Class

In India, over 250 million children attending government and low-income private schools lack safe spaces for creative expression and holistic development. Access to joyful learning spaces created through art and expression-nurturing classrooms is essential for the holistic development of children, yet millions are deprived of this opportunity today. Despite the Indian National Education Policy of 2020 advocating for the integration of art and social-emotional learning (SEL) into education, the implementation lacks a clear roadmap, disproportionately affecting children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, in Mumbai, a bustling metropolis, 300 out of 400 schools lack dedicated art teachers, despite a state mandate for weekly visual art classes. This glaring gap of inadequate number of art teachers across the country is underscored by the UNESCO State of Education Report, 2021. 

Moreover, academic teachers often bear the responsibility of conducting art classes without adequate training or support, hindering the development of crucial skills necessary for children's holistic growth. The absence of a contextualized art curriculum further exacerbates the issue, as it fails to nurture a mindset conducive to creative expression and wellbeing. 

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, 2023, there is an urgent need to shift education paradigms from rote learning to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration—skills essential for navigating the future workforce, especially in the era of AI. 

Unless urgently addressed, the outdated educational pedagogy and infrastructure will leave millions of young Indians ill-equipped for the future, widening social and economic inequalities

Saturday Art Class provides children in underserved communities in India with access to visual arts and social-emotional learning, building 21st-century skills and creating joyful learning environments. Our approach is a multifaceted systemic solution that bridges the gap in the ecosystem, aligning with National Education Policy, 2020, recommendations and National Curriculum Frameworks, fostering holistic development.

What We Do:

1. Curriculum Development : Our comprehensive visual arts and SEL curricula are designed in alignment with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) frameworks to ensure relevance and effectiveness. 

2. Teacher Training : We conduct teacher training to equip academic teachers with the necessary skills and tools to facilitate engaging and effective visual arts and SEL classes. Our training programs leverage a low-technology tool, WhatsApp chatbot to provide real-time support to educators, improving educator engagement and ability for improved classroom outcomes. 

3. Research and development : Research forms a crucial part of our solution. We conduct research studies to assess the impact of visual arts and SEL education on children's development. These research findings not only inform our program improvements but also contribute valuable insights to the broader education sector. 

4. Stakeholder workshops and advocacy : We actively engage in advocacy efforts, conducting art workshops creating awareness for stakeholders such as state officials, parents, educators, donors. Our publication 'Art Speaks,' is an open-source e-magazine aimed at unifying voices in the Indian art education sector promoting holistic learning and the importance of arts education.

How We Do It:

1. Partnerships: By establishing strategic partnerships with state governments, schools, nonprofits organizations, we ensure the integration of our visual arts and SEL programs into existing educational routines. These partnerships enable us to reach a wider audience, gain valuable insights, and leverage collective resources for maximum impact.

2. Technology Integration : By integration of low-technology intervention tool, WhatsApp chatbot we provide real-time support and resource accessibility for educators. This technological innovation not only improves program scalability but also enhances engagement, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness. (Click for demo : https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=919967285895andtext=demoandtype=phone_numberandapp_absent=0) 

3. Scalability and Sustainability: Our partnership-based approach that allows us to scale our programs while ensuring long-term sustainability. By integrating our programs into schools' existing structures and routines, we minimize disruptions and maximize the potential for lasting impact. Moreover, our cost-effective strategies and resource optimization efforts contribute to program sustainability and affordability.

Through a multifaceted approach, Saturday Art Class enables a brighter future for children, nurturing creativity, empathy, and well-being, and equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to thrive academically and beyond.

We work with children aged 3-16 from government and low-income private schools in India who lack access to art education. These children come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, often residing in urban slums or rural areas with limited resources. Currently, they are underserved in terms of holistic development opportunities, as their educational environments lack comprehensive visual arts and SEL programs which focus on mindset building. 

For these children, art education serves as a space for expressing themselves and building agency to thrive. Going beyond creativity, it fosters critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. However, due to outdated educational pedagogy, many of these children do not have access to such opportunities.

Our solution addresses their needs by providing a comprehensive visual arts and SEL curriculum tailored to their developmental needs. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits, we ensure that these programs reach children in their own communities and fit within the existing school routines.

By equipping educators with training and support tools, we enable them to effectively facilitate art and SEL classes, creating safe and nurturing learning environments. This not only enhances the quality of education but also improves the overall well-being of the children.

Ultimately, our solution aims to enable children from underserved communities to develop essential 21st-century skills, encouraging them to succeed academically, socially, and professionally. By providing access to art education, we contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality, creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

Our team members have diverse backgrounds, with many having grown up in similar socio-economic conditions or having closely worked with the children we aim to support. This firsthand experience gives us a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of children.

As the Co-founder and CEO, I myself began my journey as an educator in a classroom of 30 children at a local school in Mumbai, within an underserved community. It was these children who coined the name "Saturday Art Class" as my co-founder and I initiated a weekly art class for them. This is where it all began. I have personally experienced the transformative power of visual art and SEL in these children's lives and am passionate about ensuring that every child has access to quality holistic learning.

Our team includes educators, artists, and researchers who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. All our team members have direct experience working in schools and communities, building strong relationships and earning the trust of stakeholders. We regularly engage with parents, teachers, and school headmasters to understand their needs and preferences. This approach ensures that our programs are culturally relevant, responsive to local contexts, and aligned with their aspirations. When developing our curriculum, we consult with local educators and experts to ensure that it meets the specific needs of the children. We also conduct pilot programs and gather feedback from participants to refine and improve our programs. Through our program, we enable educators, volunteers and even children to lead art classes and workshops, enabling them to become agents of change within their own classrooms and communities.

Our selection of the scale stage is based on achieved scale and operational maturity. Since 2017, our impact has been growing steadily, reaching over 1 million children globally through our digital interventions during COVID-19  and directly impacting 178,000+ children across thirteen states in India. Accomplishments for the upcoming year include establishing state government partnerships in Maharashtra and Nagaland, adopting a model school for creating visual arts and SEL research center in Mumbai, digitizing our curriculum in collaboration with Pratham International, and introducing the open-source digital magazine 'Art Speaks' to unify voices in the art education sector. In line with the expansion of our program scale, we have doubled both our team size and budget.

Looking ahead to 2027, we aim to create safe, joyful and creative spaces for over 5 million children in India. Our strategy involves scaling our teacher-training program through state government partnerships, collaborating with large-scale and grassroots nonprofits to reach marginalized communities, and leveraging technology to enhance educator engagement across diverse geographical locations. By designing and developing contextualized curriculum for the early childhood segment we aim to address the needs of a crucial target for improved foundation for developing SEL competencies. 

• One of the key barriers we face is in leveraging our technology tool to its full potential. Our WhatsApp chatbot has been instrumental in providing real-time support and resource accessibility for educators, enhancing program scalability, engagement, learning outcomes, and overall effectiveness. However, we believe that there is untapped potential in leveraging data and resources available through this tool to further improve our programs. Solve can provide us with expertise and support in data analytics, technology optimization, and resource utilization, enabling us to enhance our program delivery and impact significantly.

• Another area where Solve's support can be invaluable is in accrediting and recognizing our pioneering research efforts. We have been conducting research studies on the impact of visual arts and SEL education on children's development, contributing valuable insights to the education ecosystem in India. Solve can help us gain recognition for these efforts, connect us with relevant research institutions, and provide resources for further research and validation, strengthening our evidence-based approach.

• Our partnership-based approach has been effective in working within the existing system, but we see opportunities to further enhance these partnerships, especially with government entities. Collaborating closely with government agencies can significantly improve our scale and sustainability by integrating our programs into mainstream education policies and initiatives. Solve’s network and expertise in partnerships can help us navigate regulatory frameworks, advocate for policy changes, and secure long-term funding and support.

• Lastly, Solve's global network for funding opportunities for scalable solutions aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a brighter future for children through innovative and impactful art education programs. By connecting us with potential funders, and collaborators from diverse industries and sectors, Solve can help us scale our impact, reach more underserved communities, and create lasting change in the education landscape.

We believe that Solve's platform offers the perfect ecosystem of support, resources, and connections to take our organization to the next level and achieve our mission of enabling 5 million children across India by 2027 through visual arts and SEL education.

SArC has identified a critical gap within the Indian education system. Rather than introducing an entirely new concept, SArC focuses on improving the quality of existing education programs. This approach is crucial in a country like India, where resources are limited and there's a shortage of educators, especially for underserved communities.

SArC leverages the existing infrastructure mandated by the government for weekly art classes in schools. By doing so, it maximizes resources and ensures scalability. The curriculum is designed to be contextualized and focused on mindset building, addressing the need for holistic development in children.

One of the key innovative aspects is the integration of SEL into visual arts education. This combination creates a highly conducive environment for children to develop essential 21st-century skills. Through art, children learn critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, perseverance, imagination, and joy.

Furthermore, SArC's approach improves the quality of educator-child relationships. Educators receive comprehensive training and real-time support through technology tools like the WhatsApp chatbot. This not only enhances their facilitation abilities in art classes but also positively impacts their engagement in other subjects.

Another innovative aspect of SArC is its partnership-based model. By collaborating with existing teacher infrastructure and networks, the solution becomes more scalable and sustainable. This model also fosters educators' sense of ownership and involvement, leading to broader positive impacts on children.

Technology integration is also a significant part of SArC's innovation. It also reduces barriers to continuous access and provides a cost-effective solution for ongoing support and training.

SArC's innovative approach lies in its ability to fit into the existing ecosystem, effectively utilize local resources, and provide visual art and SEL education. This addresses the immediate need for improved art classes and can catalyze broader positive impacts in the education landscape by showcasing a successful model of integrated art and SEL education.

We build access to visual art education and SEL creating positive outcomes for children, particularly those from underserved communities. Here's how we expect our solution to have an impact:

1. Activities: We provide comprehensive visual arts and SEL curriculum tailored to children's developmental needs. We also conduct teacher training programs to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to facilitate visual art and SEL classes effectively. Additionally, we engage in research and development to continuously improve our programs and raise awareness about the importance of art education through workshops and digital media.

2. Outputs: We aim to increase access to visual art and SEL education for children in underserved communities through our activities. This includes implementing visual art and SEL classes in schools, training educators, and creating stakeholder awareness. We expect to see increased participation in art classes, improved teaching practices, and greater awareness of the benefits of art education.

3. Outcomes: In the short term, we anticipate that children will experience improved creativity, communication, problem-solving, and emotional well-being as a result of participating in our visual art and SEL classes. Educators will also develop confidence and competence in delivering art education. In the long term, we expect these outcomes to contribute to holistic child development, improved academic performance, enhanced social skills, and greater resilience among children from underserved communities.

Our theory of change is supported by existing research demonstrating the positive impact of art education and SEL on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development. Additionally, our ongoing evaluation and feedback mechanisms help us assess the effectiveness of our programs and make necessary adjustments to ensure continued impact.

We focus on the UN Sustainability Goal 4: Quality education by working towards: 

1. Improved Behavioral Outcome in Children: SArC aims to enhance the holistic development of children aged 3-16 from underserved communities in India through visual arts and social-emotional learning (SEL). Our impact goals include:

   - Increased problem-solving abilities.

   - Enhanced communication skills.

   - Improved collaboration among peers.

   - Greater perseverance and resilience.

   - Enhanced creativity, imagination, and self-expression.

   - Overall joy and confidence in artistic endeavors.

2. Academic Success and Engagement: SArC strives to influence children's academic success and engagement by: 

   - Improving attendance rates and classroom participation.

   - Enhancing grades and academic performance.

   - Fostering a love for learning and curiosity.

   - Increasing motivation and interest in educational activities.

   - Encouraging critical thinking and exploration of new ideas.

3. Sustainable Scalability: SArC aims to scale its impact sustainably by:

   - Expanding reach to more schools and educators.

   - Establishing partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

   - Diversifying funding sources and securing long-term financial sustainability.

   - Ensuring the program model is replicable in different contexts.

   - Creating a lasting impact on children's lives.

Art Connect, our WhatsApp chatbot tool is the key to scale programs at SArC. It is a comprehensive tool that is the primary interface for delivering our visual arts and SEL curriculum to educators. Here's how Art Connect works:

1. Content Delivery: Art Connect hosts our digitized curriculum, including lesson plans, teaching resources, and multimedia content such as videos, images, and interactive activities. Educators can access this content easily through the platform, allowing them to plan and deliver engaging art classes tailored to the needs of their students.

2. Real-time Support: One of the key features of Art Connect is its real-time support functionality. Educators can connect with our team of experts and receive immediate assistance and guidance via chat. Whether they have questions about lesson implementation, classroom management, or student engagement, our support team is there to help every step of the way.

3. Data Collection and Analysis: Art Connect includes built-in tools for data collection and analysis, allowing us to track the implementation of our curriculum and gather feedback from educators and students. This data helps us monitor program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to optimize our curriculum over time.

4. Professional Development: Art Connect also serves as a hub for professional development opportunities for educators. Educators can access resources to enhance their teaching skills through the platform and stay updated on best practices in art education and SEL.

By centralizing all aspects of our program delivery within Art Connect, we streamline the process of delivering art education to children.

We have a total of 15 team members working on our solution:

- Full-time staff: 15

- Part-time and volunteers: 9

Saturday Art Class was initiated in 2016 as a response to the expressed needs of 30 students during my Teach For India fellowship at a government school in Mumbai. Recognizing the students' desire for creative expression, the program started within their classroom. Building on its success, it expanded into a pilot project in 2017. Since then, we have been dedicated to our mission of fostering an environment where every child can create with confidence. 

Our team comprises 15 dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds, including educators, artists, researchers, and management professionals. We pride ourselves on fostering diversity within our team, spanning across gender, class, and caste, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity. In our workspace, we create an environment where all team members feel respected and supported, mirroring the inclusive atmosphere we cultivate in our classrooms. With our partnership and collaboration approach to scale, we have found great advantages in having a lean team.

At the heart of our organization is a commitment to fostering equity. We uphold the value of equity in all aspects of our work, ensuring fairness and inclusivity for everyone involved. Providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities is a cornerstone of our approach, supporting the growth and advancement of all team members.

Our belief in community-building begins with our team and extends to our interactions with volunteers, partners, and associates of all backgrounds and capacities. We prioritize creating safe spaces for everyone to contribute and thrive, regardless of their role or status within the organization.

We take pride in our former employees and past volunteers, who continue to serve as ambassadors of our mission. Their ongoing association with us in various capacities underscores the lasting impact of our work and the strong sense of community we have cultivated.

Saturday Art Class operates on a non-profit model to address learning gaps faced by underserved children aged 3-16, who lack access to quality art education and SEL opportunities. We reach them through our teacher training program, creating sustained impact on the ground. Our partners, including educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits, benefit from our programs in several ways:

1. Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Our curriculum and teacher training programs enhance the quality of education provided to students, creating more engaging learning environments.

2. Compliance and Alignment: Our programs align with Indian National Education Policy and frameworks, making them valuable resources for government-led initiatives and educational institutions striving for compliance.

3. Professional Development: Educators benefit from professional development opportunities, gaining skills and confidence in facilitating visual art and SEL classes, with improved relationships with children.

Revenue Streams:

We maintain financial sustainability through multiple revenue streams:

1. Grants, CSR, and Donations: We receive 80% funding support from philanthropists, corporate partners, and foundations through program-specific grants or flexible funds, covering program costs, technology, and overheads.

2. Program Fees: Partner organizations cover a subsidized program cost, which is 20% of the fees for our teacher training program.

Our teacher training program scales our reach pan-India, creating year-long access to visual arts education for a child at less than $2. We are actively diversifying our funding channels by exploring retail opportunities, seeking sponsorships, and engaging in fundraising initiatives to support various expense components and ensure long-term sustainability

We offer our visual arts and SEL curriculum, teacher training programs, and workshops to educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits at a subsidized cost. This fee-for-service model allows us to cover our part of our operational expenses while ensuring affordability for our partners, particularly those with limited budgets. This has also demonstrated the demand for our programs and services in the market. Our partners include Pratham, Learning Links Foundation, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Museum of Solutions (Muso by JSW Foundation), Municipal Corporation of Mumbai and Thane. 

Additionally, we actively seek grants and donations from philanthropic foundations, corporations, and individuals who share our vision and are committed to supporting art education initiatives. These funds help us to expand our reach, improve the quality of our programs, and develop new programs to address emerging needs.

We seek opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organizations that can provide additional resources, expertise, and networks to further our mission. Through incubation and fellowships, we are able to optimize various non-funding opportunities for growth and outreach for the organization. Some of our key incubatees include Harvard Innovation Lab, The/Nudge, Ujjwal Impact Investors, Gather - Seeds of Peace, Art for Good Fellowship, Miller Centre of Social Entrepreneurship, Santa Clara University, Gratitude Network, ATMA, InnovatED

Our key partners include Parle, Forbes Marshall, Godrej, Innoven Capital, Agrocel, and Hinduja Foundation, among many others, who’ve supported us through the years in building our impact on the ground.