Rooted in research. Refined through practice.
The Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) Institute is the original organization dedicated to teaching and advancing VTS. For more than three decades, we have trained educators, museum professionals, physicians, and others to use art to lead rigorous, engaging discussions.
Participants learn to observe closely, support their reasoning with evidence, consider different perspectives, and build understanding together—beginning with three simple questions:
What’s going on here?
What do you see that makes you say that?
What more can you find?
Seeing Takes Practice.
At a glance, we assume we understand what we see. But visual literacy isn’t innate. It takes specific, repeated practice.
Proven Outcomes.
Across decades of independent studies in schools, museums, and medical education, VTS has been shown to strengthen observation, reasoning, communication, and collaboration.
Practical Tools.
You don’t need expertise in art or in the content to facilitate meaningful conversations. VTS gives you the skills to lead structured, participant-centered discussions, listen closely, respond without judgment, ask effective open questions, and help the group build meaning together.
Stay current on VTS news and events!
What We Offer
Online Programs
Training in facilitation, coaching and aesthetic development, providing rich learning opportunities for both new and seasoned practitioners
Curriculum & Lessons
Carefully chosen, levelled image sets, lesson plans, guides and more — all designed to support and grow with learners and educators.
School Partnerships
Comprehensive support to embed VTS—from teacher training and peer cohorts to classroom practice, museum visits, student growth tracking, and district-wide scaling.
Custom Consulting
Custom-designed engagements and support for museums, universities, schools, nonprofits, and corporations (One-on-one consultations are also available.
