When a school lacks funding it cuts programs that are deemed nonessential. But when funding is no longer an issue this problem ceases to be. By creating a mutual aid network of collaborative organizations, students will have access to more art education than before. The ability to pool resources and to share skills will make it possible to create additional courses and give broader selections of art classes. This type of collaborative network will differ from other models as it provides mutual benefits across the organizations involved. This process will also create community buy in and allow for students to create a deeper sense of belonging. By adding a curriculum that is community-based and has a social justice focus, mutual aid art education networks can create a more connected pedagogical experience for students.
The best way to bring a sense of community and to foster an art education mutual aid network is to shift paradigms to a community-based art education. Community-based art education (CBAE) takes the education outside of the classroom and focuses on the people and place it is situated in. “A local focus can give art educators a familiar basis to introduce and expand content” (Villeneuve & Sheppard, 2009 p.6). This switch allows for inclusion of educational content that addresses environment, well being, understanding and can reduce cross-cultural conflict (p. 7). CBAE will provide contextual learning using local art and culture (Ulbricht, 2005 p.6).