Category: Opening Doors to Creativity

Inspiring Innovation: Igniting Learning through the Arts

It’s a demonstrated fact: schools that infuse the arts see a profound impact on students and culture. A recent study by the Brookings Institute found that increases in arts educational experiences in schools led to remarkable improvement in students’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes.

Yet in the era of tight budgets, educators have tough decisions on what to prioritize–and the arts too often fall to the cutting room floor. But not at three local schools.

Through a partnership with Kennedy Heights Arts Center, more than 1,200 students at Cincinnati Public Schools’ Woodford Academy, John P. Parker School, and The Academy of World Languages benefit from enriching arts education. From our 5-day-a-week Cr8 Club after school program, to arts integration projects in core curriculum classrooms, to family cultural events, students engage the powerful and expressive force of the arts to ignite learning.

The first thing you notice in these innovative spaces is the palpable energy and joy. Students are actively engaged in the learning process, working with diverse professional creatives in music, dance, theatre, literary, and visual arts. This arts integration approach not only bolsters creativity, it improves students’ academic skills, strengthens social-emotional wellness, and builds confidence. As one student remarked at the conclusion of a project, “It is inspiring. I am inspiring!”

Just as a key unlocks a door, the arts unlock a world of endless possibilities.

We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience the transformative influence of the arts. That’s why Kennedy Heights Arts Center made it our mission to provide free, high-quality arts programs for underserved students.

“Arts in education is an equity issue,” remarked Ellen Muse, KHAC executive director. “Kennedy Heights Arts Center is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the arts, not as a luxury for the privileged, but as an essential part of a well-rounded education.”

You hold the key.

Please consider a donation to Kennedy Heights Arts Center to help unlock the doors to creativity for thousands of students each year. With your support, 100 percent of our programs will remain accessible to everyone.

GIVE TODAY

Unlocking Potential: Empowering Young Musicians

It started with 26 kids from underserved elementary schools. They had not played music before, but once the door was opened, they soared to new heights. Over the next five years, their numbers swelled to 150 impressive young musicians performing on stages from New York City to Barcelona, Spain.

How did this happen, you may ask?

The Cincinnati Jazz Academy unleashed their potential. A partnership of Kennedy Heights Arts Center and Cincinnati Public Schools, the after-school program provides extraordinary music education and performance opportunities five days a week for diverse CPS students in grades 4-12. Students receive a free instrument, bus transportation, and meals; and participate in weekly music lessons, jazz orchestras, and combos led by professional jazz musicians and educators–all at no cost.

The results have exceeded all expectations. In 2023, competing with student bands across the country, our students took home first and second-place awards at the prestigious Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Given the opportunity, these students learned that they can aspire to and achieve great things.

Just as a key unlocks a door, the arts unlock a world of endless possibilities.

We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience the transformative influence of the arts. That’s why Kennedy Heights Arts Center made it our mission to provide free arts programs for underserved students, like these amazing young musicians.

You hold the key.

We cannot do this work without you. When you give to Kennedy Heights Arts Center, you help unlock the doors to creativity to more than 9,000 diverse youth and adults annually.

GIVE TODAY

Our goal is to raise $60,000 for the KHAC Annual Fund between now and December 31. Thank you for your support!