meredith cabaniss
Unveiling Creativity: Explore the 2023-2024 ...

LADAMA Strikes a Chord with Students at Kids at the Bowl

Kids at the Bowl is back!

As part of a collaborative outreach initiative, the Santa Barbara Bowl and Children's Creative Project partnered to host the sensational multi-cultural female artist group LADAMA for Kids at the Bowl on Tuesday, October 3rd. Over 2,500 students throughout Santa Barbara County experienced LADAMA’s innovative music, which blends genres, languages, and musical styles to showcase Latin Alternative music's dynamic nature and richness. The blend of traditional instruments from across the Americas, infused with a modern twist, created a tapestry of sounds that captivated the young audience.

Throughout their two-hour performance, LADAMA not only entertained but also educated. Culturally significant art forms inspired students and teachers alike and the Santa Barbara Bowl echoed with the joyous voices of the audience, united by the universal language of music.

Interactive Musical Workshop

Following the electrifying performance, LADAMA extended their engagement with the community by conducting a unique musical workshop. Fifty students from Santa Barbara and La Colina junior high schools were handed percussion instruments, transforming the venue into a lively laboratory of rhythm and beats. The four talented artists guided the students through the intricacies of drums, percussion, maracas, singing, and rhythm.

The Significance of 'Kids at the Bowl'

'Kids at the Bowl' is a key part of the Santa Barbara Bowl Outreach program, designed to bring large-scale cultural performances to students throughout Santa Barbara County. Beyond the sheer enjoyment of the performances, this initiative plays a vital role in shaping young minds. Students learn not only to appreciate the arts but also how to be an engaged part of an audience. The partnership with Children’s Creative Project (CCP) is an integral part of executing this vision, as CCP works directly with the schools to facilitate bussing and accessibility needs for all students in attendance. 

The event offers a unique cultural experience within the walls of the historic Santa Barbara Bowl, creating lasting memories for the students. Moreover, 'Kids at the Bowl' sparks inspiration by providing a glimpse into the world of performing arts, encouraging students to dream big and consider careers in the creative industry.

Commitment to Arts Education through Collaboration

Both the Santa Barbara Bowl and Children’s Creative Project are committed to arts education and our collaboration allows initiatives like Kids at the Bowl to happen every year! The LADAMA performance, important for the cultural appreciation it inspired in students and the arts education it provides, also demonstrates our community’s commitment to collaboration and community. Children’s Creative Project, as a partner to the Bowl and who graciously receives outreach funding to continue our work, stand proud as a collaborative organization that looks for new, innovative ways to further our mission of #artforeverychild. 

Unveiling Creativity: Explore the 2023-2024 Arts Catalog

The UC Santa Barbara Dance Company participates in the Arts Catalog every year and produces educational performances throughout Santa Barbara County.

The Children’s Creative Project strives to bring more performances and workshops to Central Coast schools through the Arts Catalog every year. This year, we are thrilled to announce the release of our updated and wholly redesigned Arts Catalog for the 2023-2024 season, filled with exciting information about our Touring Artist Program, with even more offerings for students. This year promises to be a vibrant and imaginative one as we introduce you to a fresh roster of talented touring artists who are ready to ignite the spark of creativity in students in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Engaging and Inspiring Children Throughout the Central Coast

At Children’s Creative Project, we believe that the arts have a transformative power to change lives and that creating connections between professional artists and local schools is integral to a comprehensive arts education. Our Touring Artist Program has been a cornerstone of our mission to nurture creativity, foster learning, and build bridges between artists and communities. As we delve into the 2023-2024 catalog, you'll find a diverse array of artists, each with their unique artistic medium and vision. The catalog has four categories of artists: dance, music, theater, and visual arts.

The Artists of This Year’s Arts Catalog

Our updated catalog and website introduce you to the incredible talent that Children’s Creative Project will connect to our communities over the coming year. From visual artists who use paints or even magic to connect to learning in the classroom to classically trained musicians who share the connections between classical music and cartoons, movies, and commercials, there's something for everyone. We have carefully curated a selection of artists who are not only masters of their craft but also passionate about engaging with audiences of all ages.

Take a moment to explore the profiles of these artists, learn about their backgrounds, and get a taste of the magic they bring to their performances and workshops. You'll discover captivating storytellers, mesmerizing dancers, and thought-provoking poets ready to share their artistry with you.

Explore the Arts Catalog here.

Engage and Learn

The Arts Catalog is a way to introduce meaningful experiences to students. Each artist's profile on our website details their touring programs, workshops, and educational offerings. Whether you're a school administrator looking to enrich the arts curriculum or engagement at your school or a PTA member or parent who is passionate about providing arts experiences for children, there is an opportunity for you in the Arts Catalog!

Booking Information

Ready to bring these incredible artists to your community? The catalog provides clear and concise booking information, making connecting with the artists and securing their performances or workshops easy. Our team is also here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless booking process. For more information, please get in touch with Kate Yamasaki at kyamasaki@sbceo.org.

Supporting the Arts

By participating in our Touring Artist Program, you're providing enriching experiences for your school and supporting the arts and the livelihoods of talented artists. Your engagement contributes to the cultural vibrancy of our society and helps sustain the artistic ecosystem.

As we embark on this exciting journey into the 2023-2024 season, we invite you to immerse yourself in the world of creativity and expression. Our updated Arts Catalog is your guide to a year filled with artistic discovery, learning, and inspiration. We are committed to nurturing the arts and fostering connections within our communities, and we can't wait to share this incredible lineup of artists with you.

Let the magic of 2023-2024 begin!

It's #GivingTuesday!

Children’s Creative Project is committed to supporting arts education throughout Southern California. In 2022, our founder and Executive Director, Kathy Koury, stepped down after decades of service. Our new director, Kai Tepper, now leads the way as we chart a path into 2023, with a renewed sense of passion and motivation to see every child have access to arts experiences!

During the next 24 hours, people worldwide will come together to participate in Giving Tuesday. At Children’s Creative Project, we aim to raise $10,000 by the end of the year to fund equitable arts education in our partner schools.

We place professional artists in schools throughout the Central Coast to lead visual and performing arts workshops for students from preschool to high school. These workshops engage children’s sense of play and support their cognitive and social-emotional development. Art provides opportunities for brain development, mastery, self-esteem, and – most importantly – creativity!

Thanks to supporters like you, we can raise the funds needed to reach even more students through our #artforeverychild campaign this Giving Tuesday.

Your gift to Children’s Creative Project provides experiences for children to engage with the arts through our Resident Artist and Touring Artist programs. Will you help us?

  • $42 donation provides a classroom with arts workshops for one week

  • $420 donation provides a classroom with arts workshops for ten weeks

  • $1,000 donation provides a school with a bilingual Touring Artist program that includes music and storytelling

  • $1,386 donation provides arts workshops for an entire school year

  • $6,300 donation provides arts workshops for a small school for ten weeks

  • $10,500 donation provides arts workshops for a medium school for ten weeks

  • $14,700 donation provides arts workshops for a large school for ten weeks

Your gift to Children’s Creative Project helps make engaging experiences possible.
Learn more about how you can support #artforeverychild here.

A letter from our
Executive Director

Dear friends of Children’s Creative Project,

I am honored to be writing to you as the new Executive Director for Children’s Creative Project in what is officially our first virtual newsletter!  After 44 years of service, founder Kathy Koury retired as the Executive Director in 2021.  Now, as we are coming up to the holiday season, we have much to celebrate and be grateful for. Our work would not be possible without the generous support and collaboration of so many people. 

According to a recent study done by SRI International with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, research found that only 11% of students in California have access to every art form. Our goal for Santa Barbara County and our neighboring region is to increase this number to 90% of students across every school district. To help make this goal a reality, that’s where you come in!

Access to quality arts education is made possible through a vibrant network of artists, teachers, principals, parents, community members, non-profit partners, funders, school administrators and you, all working together to create meaningful opportunities that enrich the lives of our diverse student population.  With the recent passing of Proposition 28, we will continue to support our schools and bring arts education to the forefront of every student’s experience in grades TK-12 within the Santa Barbara County region.  

Sincerely,

Kai Tepper
Executive Director

 

P.S. – Share your support on social media by letting your loved ones know today is the day to support Children’s Creative Project on #GivingTuesday!