The Fine Arts Center loves kids! We have several programs that are geared towards school-aged children, and we hope that you find this information useful. As a K-12 Educator, we want to make it as simple as possible to access information about our programs and services, and we welcome your ideas and comments about how to improve it.

WHAT IS THE FINE ARTS CENTER?

The Fine Arts Center consists of six performing arts programs, four art galleries and three educational programs (all are listed under the Centerwide Programs section of this web site). Our events range from Broadway musicals to sound installations, and our emphasis is on presenting a world view of the arts.

WHAT EVENTS ARE GEARED TO K-12 AUDIENCES?

The Center offers several programs designed with your students in mind. Begin by checking our calendar listing of educational events for a comprehensive list of educational offerings. In addition, below is a listing of programs that offer programming specifically geared to K-12 audiences:

Global Arts: Performances for Schools is an exciting series of performing arts events that are geared towards elementary and middle school children. Events range from the enactment of classic children's literature to puppetry performances. Each season offers a fresh new array of offerings. For additional information about events, call (413) 545-0190.

New WORLD Theater: New WORLD Theater's Project 2050 program features youth performers nominated by teachers, counselors, peers, parents, or community organizations based on their talent, commitment to cross cultural dialogue, and diverse interests. They are ages 12-19 from Amherst, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Hadley, and Greenfield. Youth in Project 2050 participate in a variety of performing arts events in community settings and at the University. Call (413) 545-1972 for more information about New WORLD Theater's programs for young people.

Augusta Savage Gallery: The Augusta Savage Gallery is a multicultural, multi-arts facility for visual arts and performances by people of color that offers a limited number of programs for school aged children, as well as exhibits of work created by young artists. Call the Gallery at (413) 545-5177 for more information.

Jazz in July: An intensive, two-week improvisational jazz program for people of all ages. Call Jazz in July at (413) 545-3530 for more information.

WHAT TEACHING RESOURCES DO YOU OFFER FOR K-12 EDUCATORS?

From the multitude of teaching resources available at the Fine Arts Center, we have culled those that have particular relevance to K-12 educators who wish to augment their visit to the University with in-classroom materials or who want to integrate other resources of the Center into their curriculum. Just click here to go to that part of our site.

HOW DO I SIGN UP MY STUDENTS TO ATTEND EVENTS AND EXHIBITS?

In the listings above, we have provided direct numbers to each of the departments that offer educational programs for K-12 audiences. Most of the educational offerings sell out quickly, so we recommend that you contact the programs as soon as possible to sign up your students. Remember that admission to all of our galleries is FREE of charge, except for special events: we just ask that you contact the gallery prior to your visit (check this web site for gallery hours and contact information). In most cases, guided tours of the galleries are not available for student groups, so it is recommended that you plan your visit accordingly.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT EVENTS AND EXHIBITS ARE SCHEDULED?

We make it easy for you! On this site, you will find two calendars: one lists all the events of the Fine Arts Center, and the other lists just the educational programs that are linked to events--this way you can locate the information that is most useful to you. We hope you will take the time to peruse each calendar to learn about what we have to offer. And don't forget to check back often to learn about new programs that are being added every week!

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

If you have any questions after perusing this site, please feel free to call (413) 545-4164 for additional assistance.