Connecting Arts-N-Schools

 


The Connecting Arts-N-Schools series was designed to bring artists directly into the schools for a four year partnership at no cost to the schools - connecting students and teachers with the performing arts in deep and meaningful ways, offering performances that both enhance the in-school curriculum, and introduce students to worlds they have never known.  

Connecting Arts-N-Schools (CANS) began in 2003 to bring cultural performing arts into four elementary and middle schools in West Philadelphia; we reached 500 children that year.  In our recently completed 7th season, with 26 performances, over 8,600 students in 16 schools citywide were partners in this dynamic series!
 
Connecting Arts-N-Schools History
Year
# of Participants
2003
500
2004
 1,970
2005
 6,165
2006
 5,065
2007
 7,094
2008
 8,546
2009
 8,658

37,998

What are people saying?

“If not for the Connecting Arts-N-Schools Program, our students would not have the opportunity to experience music, dance and drama from other cultures.  So often urban schools are not provided with the funds that provide opportunities for students to be exposed to the arts.  As a result of our partnership with the Mann, our students are exposed to the arts, and have learned how to appreciate our cultural differences!”
-    Carolynn Jackson, Principal, Martha Washington Academics Plus

“The Peace Train was unforgettable.  This powerful troupe from South Africa created an explosion of musical expression and energy in our auditorium.  Our students are still referring to many of the rhythms, costumes, and excitement of this marvelous exposure!  This type of programming is so valuable to young minds because it broadens their perception of life and gives them a “peek” at other cultures of the world.  Please continue to create these exciting programs that inspire the youth of Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.  We appreciate you and the efforts of your fantastic staff.  Thank you so much!
-    Ardie Stuart Brown, Director, The Spring School of the Arts

This past season, students in our partner schools were exposed to different cultures from around the world – take a look!

 

Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble offered an exciting blend of West African ancestral tradition and African American creativity with  performances that included music and dance of Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Brazil, Haiti, Cuba and African America.

 


Freedom Theatre gave students an introduction to creative dramatics, using various techniques to teach the basics of theater, movement and dance.


Jonathan Sprout introduced students to American Heroes by bringing history to life through his concerts.

Chosen Dance Company took students on an exciting cultural journey tracing the roots of American dance from the 1960s to today’s hip-hop.

Zen One Dance Collective is a fascinating ensemble who performed and taught Capoiera, the art form created in Brazil by African slaves more than 400 years ago.



The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble is an amazing group of young performers who introduced students to West African celebratory dances and drumming. 


Sharon Katz & The Peace Train thrilled our audiences with the unstoppable beat and amazing harmonies of South African music and dance.



Connecting Arts-N-Schools has been made possible with support from:

•    Anonymous
•    The Barra Foundation, Inc.
•    Connelly Foundation
•    Dolfinger-McMahon
•    The LENFEST Foundation
•    Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation
•    The Christopher Ludwick Foundation

   



 

For more information on the Connecting Arts-N-Schools Series, please contact Rhoda Blount, Director of Education and Community Engagement at 215.546.7900 x109 or rblount@manncenter.org.

Photos by Michael Hammie