The Office of Fine and Performing Arts provides opportunities for all K-12 learners to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to become lifelong creators in the Arts.

Students are connected with meaningful college and career opportunities. The Cultural Passport program, a collaborative between District partners and DPSCD, brings students to cultural institutions throughout the city and beyond, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Opera, and Detroit Institute of Arts.

The Office of Fine and Performing Arts supports students to achieve personal, collegiate, and career success. Our K-8 curriculum creates a rigorous platform for students to excel in the Arts in preparation for their high school years. Offerings of beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses in high school further prepare students for creative challenges after graduation.  

Art and/or Music are offered at every school. Select K-8 schools feature an intensive Arts education through the DSA Pathways, metro Detroit's premier public arts pathway. Here, students get the opportunity to specialize in two Arts disciplines by applying to a Middle School Arts Conservatory in the following schools:

• Brenda Scott Academy
• Edward ‘Duke’ Ellington Conservatory of Music and Art
• John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy
• Spain Elementary-Middle School

For students seeking a rigorous, college-preparatory Arts curriculum, Detroit School of Arts (DSA) is ideal. This nationally-renowned high school offers strong academics and pre-professional studies in Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Music Technology, Dance, Theatre, Speech, Radio/Television Production, Visual Arts, and Visual Communications. DSA Pathways students from Middle School Arts Conservatories are well-prepared to continue their Arts education and excellence at DSA. 

In DPSCD, all learners find a home with extensive course offerings, expanded Arts programs, and the Cultural Passport, ensuring every student experiences the Arts!

An Evening of Fine Arts

 

An Evening of Fine Arts (EFA) is an adjudicated event showcasing the talents and achievements of DPSCD's visual and performing artists. EFA highlights the tremendous development of student talent - discovered, nurtured, and developed within DPSCD. It serves as the culminating fine arts activity for the school year. All DPSCD high school visual and performing arts programs can participate.

Art Exhibition at the DIA

In DPSCD’s longest running partnership, K-12 students collaborate with the Detroit Institute of Arts to showcase hundreds of their works. Student works are selected for exhibition by a jury of DPSCD art educators and DIA staff. The artwork includes ceramics, painting, drawing, fiber, sculpture, photography, digital art, jewelry, mixed-media, and video. 

NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft had a new attendance record after more than 700,000 fans flooded downtown for the three-day event, featuring DPSCD ensembles, including our district-wide All City Marching Band. Leading up to the draft, student ensembles from across DPSCD performed at the On the Clock events throughout the city. School choirs, bands, and dance companies entertained community members in the lead up to the draft at Detroit recreation centers and in the footprint of the draft at the Corner Ballpark. The All City Marching Band also performed at Hart Plaza, welcoming guests prior to the draft, and participated in the theatre experience during the event.