DID YOU KNOW?
Each year, SPAC’s education and outreach programs inspire more than 49,000 students with over 400 education programs, events, and classes. Participation in the arts can positively change students’ lives by developing valuable learning skills and nurturing confidence, self-esteem, and the ability to express thoughts and emotions.
OUR PROGRAMS
SPAC partners with more than 70 local schools and 50+ nonprofit organizations, offering ALL students the opportunity to participate in the arts.
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During this time, your generosity helps support both our current online initiatives as well as the future of our traditional in-school arts programs. See below for an overview of just some of SPAC’s education programs that are offered to students in our community each year.
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SPAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on membership and philanthropic support to sustain our vital education initiatives.
IN SCHOOLS
CLASSICAL KIDS
Presented by Union College
For more than 25 years, our flagship in-school program has been introducing students to classical music and ballet at no cost to participating schools. Classical Kids currently reaches more than 12,000 students annually at 50+ Capital Region elementary and middle schools with in-school presentations, study guides, and free admission to classical performances.
SPAC DANCE RESIDENCIES
During the school year, our artist-in-residence programs bring professional performers and distinguished educators into elementary schools for up to 10 weeks, immersing students in the art of dance to create a final performance for their peers, teachers, and families.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
SUMMER NIGHTS
AT SPAC
Every child should be given the opportunity to experience live performances. This outreach program provides free tickets, transportation, and meals to hundreds of families and children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend world-class performances at our venue.
Support from: Wright Family Foundation -
Bank of America - The Mercer Foundation
YOUTH IN MOTION
Our two-week summer dance program for children of all experience levels brings master teachers from NYC-based National Dance Institute into two local YMCAs, culminating in an unforgettable performance at SPAC.
AT OUR VENUE
PERFORMANCES FOR
YOUNG AUDIENCES
It is never too early to introduce children to the performing arts. Every summer, we present free performances for families with young children that help to inspire the imagination and creative spirit.
THE ADIRONDACK TRUST COMPANY
FESTIVAL OF
YOUNG ARTISTS
Showcasing more hundreds of the region’s brightest young singers, dancers, musicians, poets, and visual artists, this annual celebration has become a landmark community event packed with pop-up performances, poetry slams, art shows, and a grand production on our main stage. Stay tuned for more details on our 2020 virtual festival!
artwork:
2020 FOYA Artwork Winner:
Pallavi Datta, Self-Portrait
Niskayuna HS
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"This artwork was an attempt to express my journey learning how to embrace my Indian heritage and the American culture I've grown up with. I chose to do a collage because although the process can be tedious, I love how all the individual parts coalesce to form the piece."
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Want to learn more?
We want to hear from you! Please reach out to the SPAC Education team to learn more about our programs or how we can partner to bring the arts to your community!
YOU MAKE IT POSSIBLE!
Your generous support allows us to inspire local students of all ages to appreciate, create, and celebrate art.
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A complete list of educational programs can be found at SPAC.org