Rev. Kimberly Hyatt, CEO & President, Cathedral Arts Project

How has the last year been for CAP and how does that reflect the current sake of the education sector?

This past year has been incredible for CAP. We’ve enrolled nearly 3,700 students across 52 sites—more than ever before. Our expansion reflects the increasing demand for arts education, especially as many public schools face arts funding cuts. CAP has stepped in to fill this gap, making sure that students have access to the creative outlets essential to their development.

What we’re experiencing at CAP mirrors broader trends in education. There’s a growing awareness that education must equip students with innovative thinking and problem-solving skills—areas where the arts excel. As schools look for ways to better engage students and prepare them for the future, CAP is positioned to continue leading the charge here and keeping arts education as an important part of the conversation.

We know that innovation and creativity are key drivers in today’s workforce, and the arts are where these skills are nurtured. When students participate in the arts, they develop the skills in innovative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration that employers are looking for in a modern workforce.

What are the recent successes of your organization that are notable and what is their impact?

One of our most significant successes has been the implementation of our teaching artist fellowship model. This initiative not only supports professional artists but also strengthens CAP’s role in growing Jacksonville’s creative economy. By providing fulltime opportunities for teaching artists, we are helping to build a vibrant creative community that can attract new businesses and talent to the area—something employers consider when deciding to relocate.

We’ve also expanded our arts integration program that we call Art Smarts. This is having a meaningful impact on student outcomes. This program helps improve attendance and literacy while exposing students to professionals from various fields, fostering both academic growth and career development.

Countless studies reinforce what we see every single day at CAP. Children who participate in the arts grow in their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. They find productive ways to explore and express a whole range of emotions, and they consistently show improvement in academic achievement including proficiency on standardized tests. There is something about the arts that can reach kids in ways nothing else can and in ways that will stay with them for life.

The ripple effect of these efforts is profound. Our successes go beyond individual achievement; they are contributing to a stronger, more creative community and talent pool for employers in Northeast Florida.

What trends are present in the education sector right now? How are you navigating them?

The K-12 education landscape is shifting rapidly.  Traditional public-school enrollment is declining due to demographic changes and the rise of school choice. Alternative learning environments like charters and homeschools are becoming more common, and the national teacher shortage persists. I believe these are more than trends; they represent a revolution in how children are educated.

CAP has adapted to this changing landscape by expanding our offerings to reach these students as well. We partner with charter schools and homeschooling networks to ensure that all students, regardless of how or where they’re educated, have access to the high-quality arts education that is critical to their growth and development.

One of the most significant trends we’re seeing in the education sector is the shift toward more student-centered learning. There’s a growing recognition that students need more than just academic knowledge—they need creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to think critically in a rapidly changing world. Schools are increasingly looking for ways to integrate experiential learning into their curricula, and this is where CAP plays a pivotal role. Arts education is even greater in the growing AI economy. It’s essential for students not only to learn and master new technologies, but also to connect deeply with their own creative power to build critical thinking, expression and grit.

Our focus is not just on teaching art for art’s sake but on equipping students with the creative and critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives, regardless of the career path they choose. 

What challenges are you seeing in the world of education?

One of the biggest challenges right now is the strain of budget constraints as pandemic-era funding dries up. Many schools are struggling to sustain programs that were temporarily supported by relief funds, with arts programs often the first to be cut. This is a significant concern because we know how critical arts education is to student development. At CAP, we’re stepping in to fill these gaps, but it requires ongoing fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy to ensure our programs continue to reach the students who need them most.

Another pressing issue is the national teacher shortage, which puts a tremendous burden on schools and leaves arts education particularly vulnerable. We’ve responded by providing robust training for our teaching artists and creating an environment where they feel supported and valued. Our partnerships with schools allow us to offer supplemental arts education even when qualified arts educators are in short supply.

The lingering effects of the pandemic also continue to challenge student engagement and learning outcomes. Many students are still catching up both academically and socially. Our programs help address this by offering creative outlets where students can express themselves, build confidence, and reconnect with their peers and communities. We know, for instance, that absenteeism remains a problem post-pandemic and that kids want to come to school on those days they have a CAP class.

We’re also facing a rise in mental health challenges among students, with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and disconnection. The arts play a crucial role here, providing a safe space for students to process their emotions, express themselves, and build resilience. Whether through visual art, music, or dance, we’ve seen firsthand how participation in the arts reduces stress, fosters emotional expression, and builds a sense of belonging—all of which are vital for supporting students’ mental health.

While these challenges are significant, they reinforce the importance of the work we do at CAP. By staying flexible, creative, and committed, we ensure that students continue to have access to the arts and the opportunities they provide, no matter what obstacles arise.

What is your outlook for CAP and the education sector?

I’m bullish on the future of CAP. We’re entering an exciting phase of innovation and growth, especially as we move into the public phase of our REIMAGINE Campaign. We’re building on a strong foundation, and I see CAP continuing to lead the way in arts education—expanding our reach not only in traditional schools but also in charter schools, homeschool networks, and alternative learning environments. Our commitment is clear: every child, regardless of their educational setting, should have access to the transformative power of the arts.

More broadly, the education sector is undergoing significant change. Budget constraints, the national teacher shortage, and rising mental health concerns are real challenges, but they also offer opportunities for innovation. At CAP, we’re focused on being part of the solution—whether that means filling the gaps left by reduced school funding, supporting students’ mental health through creative expression, or equipping them with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need for an ever-evolving workforce.

I’m confident that with the right partnerships and a continued emphasis on equity and innovation, both CAP and the broader education sector will emerge stronger. The arts will be a key driver in this transformation—not only enriching students’ lives but also equipping them with the skills and resilience to navigate the challenges of the future. This, in turn, will contribute to a more vibrant local economy and a stronger community.