KulturSchule Hessen anchors methodology for sense-based aesthetic learning in all school subjects and in school culture. Painting, making music, writing, and creative expression via media, dance or theatre are very clearly part of a holistic leaning, inter-disciplinary education.

Schools that want to adopt a cultural profile go through a qualification period of three to four years. In this phase they amass experience of an all-encompassing approach to art and change their learning, teaching and school cultures. Impact assessments by researchers investigate what has changed for school leadership teams, for the schools as a whole, and for the pupils themselves. If the programme has been implemented successfully the schools will then be certified by the state of Hesse.

The KulturSchule Hessen programme acts as a model for successful school development both in Germany and at an international level. The project was set up by the Hesse culture ministry in 2008 and funded by Stiftung Mercator from 2014 to 2022. It has been presented to other German states as a model for what can be achieved. The Crespo Foundation has funded the expansion of the programme to further schools since 2023, in conjunction with networking among the participating actors.