Arts Umbrella Launches Program to Bring Arts Education to Remote Communities
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Image: Arts Umbrella.
The following is partially excerpted from a communication issued by Arts Umbrella.
Vancouver-based Arts Umbrella is partnering with Toronto-based TakingITGlobal in the delivery of Connected North, which provides participating schools with access to engaging and innovative virtual content. This new partnership will provide schools in remote Canadian communities with access to high-quality arts education, engaging some of Canada’s most under-served children and youth in visual arts and performing arts workshops and performances.
“It has long been Arts Umbrella’s mission to be Canada’s leader in arts education for young people,” said Paul Larocque, President & CEO of Arts Umbrella. “When TakingITGlobal approached us to provide visual and performing arts programming to children and youth in remote Canadian communities, we knew it would be a powerful extension to our Metro Vancouver programs and a force in creating equitable access to the arts.”
This new Arts Umbrella program, called Northern Arts Connection, will reach school students in remote areas who would otherwise not have access to arts education classes and performances. Arts Umbrella instructors will deliver classes and workshops via high-definition two-way video communication.
Designed to increase feelings of empowerment in school and in life, the theatre and visual arts workshops provide arts content to suit the curriculum and interests of each school. Studies have shown that community-based arts education can help children and youth build self-confidence and develop independent thinking skills, as well as improved academic results and specific career direction.
In 2019, Northern Arts Connection will engage 500-1,000 young people in up to 41 schools. Over three years, the program is expected to reach over 2,500 students ages five to 18. Arts Umbrella will launch the Northern Arts Connection pilot program in winter 2019, with a full program scheduled to launch in 2020.
