Articles - 2004
SPACE
(Near
& Arnold’s School of Performing Arts & Cultural
Education).
By Paloma R. Patterson
"Be
who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind
don’t matter,
and those who matter, don’t mind." Dr. Seuss
So often
children are taught to be complacent. Remember the old adage,
"Children should be seen and not heard"? SPACE
certainly doesn’t subscribe to this notion. Their mission
is to empower youth to discover and trust in their innate
ability to be creative, responsible and compassionate individuals
through effective training in dance, theater, music and
cultural education. Their program emphasizes diversity,
youth leadership, cross-cultural arts, social issues, and
exemplary training in the arts. The curriculum may also
address issues of social, environmental and cultural awareness
and activism such as distribution of resources, unlearning
racism, gender stereotyping and/or sexual orientation. By
giving a voice to those children that may never otherwise
be recognized or heard, SPACE is establishing a framework
of validation and consideration for each child, and instilling
in them a desire to be respectful, socially responsible
individuals.
All
of the staff at SPACE are experienced performing arts educators
or practicing artists. They are selected for their special
ability to relate to young people’s training, social
and developmental needs. SPACE also offers a "Teacher
Training & Youth Leadership Program" which nurtures
young people who have the skills to become teachers. And,
as SPACE is committed to supporting other local artists,
they collaborate with the following Associated Groups: Capoiera
Yokayo, Ballet Folklorico, and Hinthil Kee Banm Pomo Group.
They have also established a partnership with Nuestra Casa
Family Center to recruit Latino youth through Spanish newspapers,
churches and school meetings.
SPACE
is committed to making its program accessible to as many
youth as possible. Financial assistance is available through
its scholarship program and bilingual English/Spanish staff
and schedules are also available.
For
more information about SPACE, including information regarding
their Theater Capital Campaign, contact them at:
SPACE (Near & Arnold’s School of Performing Arts
& Cultural Education)
145 E. Church St., Ukiah, CA 95482
Ph: 707 462-9370
Fax: 707 462-0465
Email: info@spaceperformingarts.org
Website: www.spaceperformingarts.org
The
Arts Council is very pleased to welcome SPACE as one of
its newest members. For information on how your organization
can become a member of the Arts Council of Mendocino County,
email Executive Director Anna Kvinsland at director@artsmendocino.org!
