Carpenter Performing Arts Center Awarded California Arts Council
“Arts Education: Exposure” Grant
State funds support attendance at performances and exhibitions for students with limited access
LONG BEACH, California — The California Arts Council announced its plans to award $15,300 to the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of Cal State Long Beach, as part of its Arts Education: Exposure program.
As a segment of the California Arts Council Arts Education grant opportunities, Exposure grants support attendance at performances and exhibitions for students who may otherwise have limited access to these experiences. The impact of student attendance at these events is complemented by pre- and post-attendance activities.
With support from the California Arts Council, Carpenter Performing Arts Center will continue to provide the Classroom Connections program to elementary schools throughout the Long Beach area, reaching 2,000 – 5,000 students each year. Classroom Connections is a comprehensive arts education program consisting of fully-mounted productions in a world-class theatre, lectures/demonstrations, and classroom visits that engage students in one-on-one interactions with artists.
“Each year thousands of students from the Long Beach area visit a theatre for the first time when they attend a performance at the Carpenter Center as part of our Classroom Connections program,” said Megan Kline Crockett, Executive Director of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. “It is a highlight of every season and we are grateful for the California Arts Council for their generous support of arts education in communities across California.”
Carpenter Performing Arts Center is one of 113 grantees chosen for the Arts Education: Exposure program. The award was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council.
“Studies have shown that projects like Carpenter Performing Arts Center’s Classroom Connections that offer real-world, authentic interaction with the arts have a rewarding effect on learning ability,” said Nashormeh Lindo, California Arts Council Chair. “These early life experiences can spark interests, provoke thought, and build a student’s capacity for success. The path of what’s possible is widened by every opportunity to step outside the familiar.”
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The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at California State University, Long Beach engages its community through artistic, educational and cultural experiences that enrich lives, promote lifelong learning in and through the performing arts, and serves as a gateway between the university and greater community.
Classroom Connections is a part of the Center’s education program Arts for Life, which provides interactive, wide-ranging, hands-on arts activities for all ages.
The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California’s diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services.
Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Vice Chair Larry Baza, Phoebe Beasley, Christopher Coppola, Juan Devis, Kathleen Gallegos, Jaime Galli, Donn K. Harris, Louise McGuinness, Steven Oliver, and Rosalind Wyman. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.
