Making the Arts Accessible to Our Community

 

The goal of ArtStart is to make art truly accessible to everyone in our community, no-matter their socio-economic status. Through ArtStart, Racine Arts Council (RAC) strives to eliminate the barriers, whether they be financial, logistical or perceived so that adults and children alike can experience and appreciate art in all its forms.

 

Racine Arts Council developed the ArtStart program in 2014. RAC board members serve as companions/mentors in bringing undeserved audiences to artful events, developing a future generation of art appreciators and artists.

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The summer of 2019, RAC partnered with First Presbyterian Church and featured the Summer Educational Program of HALO led by Lauren Sommers, Director of Education & Art.  The children wrote a play based on the 50th Anniversary pedal car "Sun Ray" by sculptor, Bill Reid.  The play and their artwork were presented on the Ihrman Hall Stage, August 23, 2019 in front of an audience of 60 people.  The smiles on their faces when they took a bow, told a new story for them of confidence, hard work, creativity and appreciation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Past groups that have been served by ArtStart include:

• Bethany Apartments

• Women's Resource Center

• Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO)

• Racine Youth Offender Correctional Facility

• Advancing Family Assets/United Way. 

 

Programs have included a collaborative mural project created by students of the REAL School & Racine Civil Leaders Academy, as well as a group trip for youth and adults from the HALO summer arts camp to the Milwaukee Art Museum for a docent-led tour of the galleries and lunch. 

 

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