Abstract

This paper will explore community college (CC) arts programming and its interrelationship with social justice and social equity, arguing for the ethical imperative of the CC toward expanded arts opportunities for economic equality in this renaissance moment for the Arts and for CCs. The paper explores the history and development of the CC from normal school to open access gateway institution, positing these institutions as uniquely positioned to ensure equity and socioeconomic advancement. The paper discusses recent challenges and initiatives of such institutions and attests to the role CC arts programming plays in addressing today’s vast wealth gap and changing workforce demands. The paper offers suggestions for expanded CC arts programming to address three specific areas of need in a multitiered approach aimed at reframing the Arts as critical elements of an equitable twenty-first-century education, through (1) interdisciplinary arts partnerships, (2) arts study abroad, and most significantly, (3) development of an arts entrepreneurship/workforce development hub. Finally, the paper argues the need in this decisive moment for further exploration of the role the Arts and creativity will play in ensuring future prosperity for all.