Educating Global Kids with Roots is a dynamic, semester-long arts education program serving Kindergarten through 8th Grade students in Philadelphia. Developed in collaboration between the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) and various educational partners such as Woodmere Art Museum and the Philadelphia School District. The program uses art to deepen students’ understanding of their own cultural heritage, the history of Philadelphia, and the city’s connection to the wider world.
This initiative helps cultivate civic awareness, pride in local communities, and a sense of belonging in a globally connected city.
"When I joined the art program, I didn’t think much about how my family's heritage could be part of my art. But as we worked on our projects, I started thinking about my culture, traditions, and the stories my grandparents told me. It was fun to see how other kids showed their own backgrounds too — through colors, symbols, and ideas that meant something to them. This showcase helped me realize that art isn’t just about being creative — it’s also a way to celebrate who we are."
- 9th grade student participant, Esperanza Academy Charter School
Celebrate Heritage, Art, and Community!
Join an exciting K–8 art program that brings Philadelphia’s rich cultural legacy to life! Students will explore vibrant artworks, connect with stories from around the world, and create their own masterpieces inspired by family, community, and heritage.
Teachers/Educators—sign up today to participate in next year's cohort at Woodmere Art Museum to access tours, in-class art sessions, and a full library of creative resources, and participate in the final art exhibit!
Bring the story of Philadelphia—and your students’ stories—to life through art! Reach out to Gary Wooten to see if your classroom is a fit.
For more information reach out to Gary Wooten at @gary.wooten@globalphiladelphia.org
Woodmere introduces educators to core themes of heritage, community, and Philadelphia’s World Heritage designation, supported by curriculum-aligned lesson plans and digital resources.
Students visit the collaborating partner site, where they tour exhibitions and collections featuring local and international artists. Through guided discussion, students reflect on how art preserves culture, identity, and story.
Professional art educators lead students to create personal artworks inspired by their family traditions, local landmarks, sports teams, and community life in Philadelphia.
The program culminates in an exhibition at the partner site featuring student artwork that celebrates heritage, storytelling, and creativity. Local artists, city council members, GPA members, and students and their families are welcome to attend.
The program is a cornerstone of GPA’s broader mission: to encourage greater interaction among globally engaged organizations and individuals in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to foster an international consciousness, and to elevate Philadelphia’s global profile. Through their participation in this program, students gain a new perspective on their surroundings—from murals to monuments, parks to local foods—and connect their stories to those of people across the globe.
This project-based learning experience encourages students to:
Understand “heritage” as a concept connecting personal, local, and global histories.
Explore how their communities have shaped Philadelphia’s identity.
Learn about Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods and World Heritage designation.
Create artworks that reflect what they value about their city, heritage, and community.
This hands-on art program empowers students to think critically about who they are and where they come from. Using a variety of mediums—paint, sculpture, collage, and cut paper—they express what matters most to them about their communities.
Each artwork tells a story: a neighborhood park, a family celebration, a beloved mascot, or a building steeped in history. Together, they paint a rich portrait of Philadelphia’s identity—through the eyes of its youngest artists.
Students from seven schools across Philadelphia participated in this year’s program:
Want to help bring heritage education and art to more classrooms?
GPA and Woodmere continue to seek partners, sponsors, and volunteers to expand the reach of this transformative initiative.
