For decades now, art, drama, and music have taken a backseat in classrooms across the US, while the emphasis on subjects like math and science has grown. In Miami Beach, though, it’s a slightly different story. In 2018, the mayor of the city, Dan Gelber, initiated a program called STEAM+ which integrates visual and performing arts into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes in the local public schools. Coordinated by the Bass, the project has breathed new life into the curriculum of seven schools in Miami Beach by inviting creatives from the city’s most esteemed arts institutions to go in and help teach core subjects.

Not unlike an artist-in-residence program, the visiting artists, musicians, and educators go into the schools on multiple occasions to work with students, from pre-schoolers up to teenagers, on various projects. In one instance, for example, the science class in an elementary school was taken over by a movement instructor from the Miami City Ballet who taught the young children about the push and pull dynamics of physics through dance. Meanwhile, a group of high schoolers learned about DNA by making their own intricate DNA structures using colored beads with the help of educators from the Bass. ‘It’s providing another entry point into the topic. If students weren’t really understanding the material by reading science books or listening to the teacher, this is another more tactile way of learning,’ says Kylee Crook, Director of Education at the Bass, explaining that these kinds of creative teaching strategies have helped to engage many students who may have otherwise lost interest.

‘There is research to support this,’ says Crook underscoring the importance of a curriculum which includes art. ‘Children that are more involved in the arts are five times more likely to graduate high school, which is a huge number. And children that are more involved in the arts in their daily schedule also have higher SATs scores [and better overall academic performance].’

Since the pilot program began in 2018, STEAM+ has worked with 11 arts institutions – including the Bass, Miami City Ballet, and New World Symphony – reaching close to 5,000 students across seven public schools. Beyond just motivating the kids, Crook says the program has also been a game-changer for teachers, many of whom were skeptical about partnering with outside arts practitioners and instructors. ‘It ended up being a really eye-opening moment for the teachers because they’re struggling to deal with the impact of COVID-19, issues like gun violence, and everything that’s going on with these kids. So the program is also a support for the teaching staff,’ she adds, explaining that the schools are often understaffed.

While Art Basel descends on the city each December and Miami Beach is filled with world-renowned cultural institutions, Crook says there is a gulf between the city’s contemporary art scene and students in the public school system. However, STEAM+ is looking to bridge that gap through in-classroom teaching as well as field trips. ‘It’s about raising awareness and saying that these cultural institutions belong to these kids and saying to them: “You belong here – art isn’t just for the elite, it’s for you too.”’

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, Art Basel is giving back to the community of Miami Beach. It is supporting STEAM+ and helming a gift-giving campaign which aims to grow the program. A special thanks to our partners UBS, Ruinart, La Prairie, Château d'Esclans, and Valentino for their contributions. More details about STEAM+ can be found here: steamplusmiamibeach.org

All photos: STEAM+. Courtesy of the Bass.