Application Information (School year 2025-2026)

Eligibility: The HŌ‘Ā program is for grades 2-6. All elementary public and charter schools are eligible, with preference given to schools within HŌ‘Ā moku hub areas - currently: Koʻolaupoko Moku (Windward) Oʻahu, Waiʻanae Moku Oʻahu, and Kona Moku Hawaiʻi Island. 

Program Description: Students grades 2-6 and their teachers work with a Teaching Artist and ‘Āina Educator during five scaffolded sessions that introduce them to their home moku, engage them in outdoor, place-based learning, and lead them through the artistic process. Two of the five sessions will take place in the mālama ‘āina site where the ‘Āina Educator is based. These field trips will offer students an opportunity to build relationships with a culturally important place near their home while reflecting on their learning through art making with the Teaching Artist. The Hawai‘i SFCA’s Art in Public Places artwork will help students connect their learning at the mālama ‘āina site with their lives. Lessons will be tied to Nā Hopena Aʻo and National Core Arts Standards.

*All fees for the field trips, buses, guest teacher stipends and supplies are covered by the HŌʻĀ program.

Requirements: Commitment from administration and faculty to:

• Schedule at least two classroom sessions, two field trips, and a student-led presentation facilitated by classroom teachers. The required instructional time per classroom session is 1-2 hrs. The required instructional time per field trip is 3 hrs minimum. Teachers will be expected to dedicate time as needed to support their students in the creation and execution a presentation for younger students, parents, or community (“Session 5”).

• Designate a staff person or faculty member to be a point of contact for the school and assure the coordination of program schedules, bus reservations, and the collection of field trip and media release forms. This person will also be expected to act as a liaison between the HŌʻĀ program teaching team and the school community.

• Designate a classroom space where the Teaching Artist and ʻĀina-based Educator can complete the art activities. Please note that different art forms will have different space needs.

• Schedule two time blocks for all participating teachers to engage in an orientation session and a reflection session (1 hour per session) led by HŌʻĀ staff.

• Assure participation of classroom teachers in all program activities, including supporting their students in the creation and execution of a presentation for younger students, parents, or community (“Session 5”)

• Assure participation of at least one grade level per school.

• Complete all final report materials, including classroom teacher reflections, student reflections, final report form, and field trip, HŌʻĀ, and SFCA waivers. 

• Send a written letter to the State Representative and Senator from the school’s district thanking them for supporting the HŌ‘Ā program through funding from the SFCA’s Art in Public Places program. Please send a copy of the letter to the HŌ‘Ā program director: hawaiiopenarts@gmail.com

Questions?

Please email Laurel Nakanishi at HawaiiOpenArts@gmail.com