By the California State PTA Arts Education Committee
Fall is a vibrant season of cultural celebration across California and the world — a time when communities come together through festivals, art, music, dance, and shared traditions. From Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Filipino American History Month to Día de los Muertos preparations and Diwali celebrations, it offers a colorful reminder of how deeply the arts connect us all.
Arts education provides students with the opportunity to explore diverse cultural expressions in meaningful ways. Through classroom activities, performances, and community art projects, students learn about history, identity, and the universal language of creativity. Encouraging schools to highlight global festivals helps students appreciate the beauty of different traditions and fosters inclusion, curiosity, and respect.
California State PTA believes that arts education should reflect the diversity of our communities — inspiring every student to see their story represented in the arts. Let us bring families together by embracing cultural heritage through creativity. Publicize local festivals so families will visit them. Encourage students to talk to their families and friends about their traditions and art forms.
Your PTA can hold a multicultural fair, talent show, or music festival where families can showcase their music, art, and dance with their school community. The adults can prepare the students for their performances by teaching them traditional arts. All generations will benefit from having opportunities to share cultural creativity.