The Arts Network Takes on Milwaukee
The Arts Network invites you to explore a dynamic lineup of sessions at NAGC 2026 in Milwaukee that celebrate creativity, talent development, and innovative approaches to identifying and supporting gifted learners in the arts. From visual art and music, to poetry and creative writing, these presentations offer research-based insights and practical strategies for educators across disciplines.
For attendees who are excited to explore sessions surrounding giftedness in visual art, we are pleased to present the following sessions:
Art of Noticing: Cross-Field Traits That Define Advanced Visual Learners
Discover a new approach to identifying advanced visual art learners through a cross-field behavioral rating scale grounded in art and gifted education research. This poster emphasizes observable artistic processes rather than finished products, addresses equity and evaluator bias, and provides practical indicators educators can use to recognize artistic potential and support talent development at every stage.
Preparing Artistically Gifted Students for the Future: Postsecondary Education and Careers
Gain valuable insights into the educational and career pathways of artistically gifted students through findings from the 2022 Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP), which surveyed more than 61,000 arts alumni. Learn about postsecondary options, transferable skills developed through arts education, career outcomes, and practical tools to help students make informed decisions about their futures.
Further, for those who are interested in giftedness in creative writing, we are excited for these three sessions:
Write the Future: Blending Creativity and Research to Support Gifted Writers
See how Future Problem Solving’s Creative Writing program empowers gifted writers by combining research, futuristic thinking, and storytelling around global issues. Participants will leave with engaging, future-focused strategies to foster advanced literacy, creativity, and critical thinking while expanding opportunities beyond traditional classroom writing.
Between the Lines: Poetry as a Pathway to Wonder for Gifted Learners
Experience the transformative power of poetry as a catalyst for curiosity, creativity, and deep thinking. Explore engaging poetic forms—including Golden Shovel and mirror poems—and leave with mentor texts and classroom strategies that inspire gifted learners to reflect, imagine, and express themselves through meaningful artistic exploration.
Plot Twists, Mentor Texts, and Aha! Moments: Fun Ways to Grow Gifted Writers
Discover practical, engaging strategies for developing gifted writers across grade levels. Through creative mentor texts, frontloading techniques, choice-driven activities, and layered instruction that builds from foundational skills to advanced craft, participants will gain ready-to-use lessons and renewed confidence in supporting high-potential writers.
Next, for folks who are interested in learning more about musical giftedness, we welcome the following session:
Increasing Opportunities for Gifted Musicians Through Differentiated Instruction
Discover strategies for expanding equitable opportunities for musically gifted students, particularly in underserved communities. This session highlights the Facets Model, arts standards, and technology-enhanced instruction that help educators differentiate learning experiences and nurture advanced musical talent in both general and performing arts classrooms.
For those interested in expanding opportunities for identification of gifted learners, we present two exciting sessions:
Using Community Partnerships to Identify and Develop Gifted Talent in BIPOC Learners
Explore how community partnerships can expand access to gifted education through The Brilliance Exchange, a mentorship model that pairs BIPOC students with professionals in aligned fields. Learn how performance-based assessments and authentic mentorship can uncover and cultivate talents that traditional identification methods often overlook.
Who Is Seen as Artistically Gifted? Educator Perceptions of Artistic Talent in U.S. Schools
What shapes perceptions of artistic giftedness? This research-based session shares findings from a nationwide survey of 1,500 art and music educators, examining the talents, behaviors, and student characteristics that influence identification for arts services. The discussion sheds light on persistent barriers and opportunities to create more equitable pathways for recognizing artistic potential.
Last, but certainly not least, we hope you’ll join our culminating Super Sunday Session:
Promising Practices in Gifted Arts Education: Innovation and Groundbreaking Contributions
Join us in honoring the 2026 NAGC Arts Research Award recipients and celebrating their groundbreaking contributions. This session highlights innovative practices to support artistically gifted students, offering practical strategies and resources for talent development. Gain insights and recommendations for parents, teachers, and leaders to support and nurture gifted artists. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate leaders in gifted arts education.
All are welcome to attend Arts Network sessions and events, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Milwaukee!
