Rachel Watts: Leading the charge for Arts Education in New York City

For over four decades, Arts Connection has been a beacon of arts education in New York City, ensuring that public school youth have access to quality arts programming. At the helm of this mission is Rachel Watts, the executive director of Arts Connection, whose personal journey with the arts has shaped her commitment to the organization’s work. 

Founded 45 years ago, Arts Connection emerged in response to widespread budget cuts that removed art teachers from New York City public schools. “The origins of the organization were to make sure that young people still had access to the arts,” Watts explained. Since then, Arts Connection has played a critical role in shaping arts education, providing in-school arts programming across all five boroughs from pre-K through 12th grade in multiple disciplines, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts. 

Today, one-third of New York City public schools do not have an art teacher, making Arts Connection an essential resource for students. Beyond its school-based programs, the organization also offers artist and educator training and out-of-school programs designed to introduce teens to careers in the arts.

Watts’s passion for arts education stems from her experiences growing up between Trinidad and the United States. “I wasn’t a very good student until I got to incorporate the arts into my learning,” she shared. “That’s when I realized I wasn’t stupid. The arts helped me build the confidence to know that I had thoughts and ideas worth exploring.”

Her academic journey reflects this passion. After completing her A-Levels in Trinidad, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Caribbean art. She later earned a master’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from New York University, where she worked with esteemed Barbadian writer Kamau Brathwaite.

Her career in art education began at the Studio Museum in Harlem, where she facilitated tours using visual thinking strategies. This method encourages learners to analyze art through inquiry rather than instruction. She later worked at Ballet Hispanico, blending her expertise in Caribbean culture with dance education. Watts joined Arts Connection in 1998, left to run a youth center in California, and returned in 2011. She has served as executive director since 2020.

Watts firmly believes that the arts are more than just a creative outlet. They are a vital tool for cognitive and social-emotional development. “The arts help young people problem-solve, work collaboratively, and navigate ambiguity,” she said. “They also provide essential social-emotional learning skills, helping students process emotions and develop perseverance.”

She argues that many educational systems focus too heavily on test-based learning rather than fostering critical thinking. “The arts help people learn to think and develop their ideas, rather than just learning to pass a test,” she emphasized.

Under Watts’s leadership, Arts Connection continues to bridge the gap in arts education for thousands of students. She hopes to empower the next generation of artists and thinkers in New York City and beyond by advocating for increased arts access and fostering creative learning environments.