Act One: A Nonprofit’s Mission to Bring Arts to Arizona’s Underserved Schools

Act One, a Tucson nonprofit, is dedicated to providing arts experiences to Arizona’s Title I schools, despite funding challenges. With offerings like free field trips and Culture Passes, the organization aims to bridge the artistic divide for young students. Local families cherish these cultural exposures, as they create lasting memories and foster appreciation for the arts.

In the desert landscape of Tucson, Arizona, where arts funding has dwindled, hope springs from a local nonprofit called Act One. Since 2011, it has been a beacon of creativity, making arts experiences accessible to Title I schools. Through in-person and virtual field trips, along with partnerships with local libraries to provide Culture Passes, Act One ensures that young students and their families can enjoy cultural offerings without any financial barriers. Larry Starks treasures these moments spent with his granddaughter, Aleena, who recently attended a vibrant performance of “Louis: The Sun King” at Park Place Mall’s Arts Express Theatre. With a proud smile, Starks expressed the importance of early exposure to the arts, claiming, “It’s really good to be a part of the arts, especially at a young age… Just the exposure is really nice and really good.” This trip became an unforgettable memory for them both, weaving a joyful thread through their family’s tapestry. Little Aleena, bubbling with excitement, shared her impressions of the performance, exclaiming, “The music was really, really beautiful!” She also marveled at the colorful costumes that lit up the stage, her young mind absorbing every detail. Susie Napper, one of the performers, shared her delight for entertaining the young audience, saying, “I love hearing…the commentaries afterward.” Kids’ unique perspectives often bring refreshing insights that surprise the performers, highlighting the magic of live performances. Napper went on to reflect on the importance of instilling a sense of history in children. She remarked, “I think kids nowadays don’t know enough about history and don’t understand that this has, amazingly enough, affected their lives.” Onlookers like Starks recognize this vital contribution made by nonprofits like Act One, expressing appreciation for how they open doors to experiences many children would not otherwise encounter. He articulated the expansive nature of arts, saying, “The arts are so expansive…It’s personal.” Originally from Montreal, Napper feels privileged to share the arts with Arizona’s students, many of whom are unfamiliar with such cultural encounters. “Most of these kids are not exposed to this at all… This is our tiny little way of showing a few kids,” she shared. Under the leadership of Executive Director Beth Maloney, Act One is committed to ensuring accessibility for Title I schools, covering all field trip costs. After the show, a glowing Aleena was eager to relay her adventure with friends, hoping to spread the joy of her experience. Starks looked forward to embarking on future trips with her, knowing these arts encounters solidify their bond and enrich their lives. “This is the beautiful part of life,” he remarked, encapsulating the essence of their journey together. For those wishing to support the transformative work of Act One in bringing the arts to more children across Arizona, contributions can be made at ActOneAZ.org, helping to keep this vital artistic flame alive.

The article highlights the challenges faced by Arizona schools due to a cut in arts funding and the impactful role of Act One, a nonprofit focused on providing arts experiences to Title I schools. Established in 2011, Act One aims to ensure access to cultural activities through innovative programs, collaborating with local libraries and offering free field trips to enrich young students’ lives with the arts, which many may otherwise not experience.

Act One is an essential lifeline for Arizona’s Title I schools, ensuring that the beauty of the arts is accessible to all students. With local support, children like Aleena can explore music, dance, and theater, creating cherished memories with family. The commitment of nonprofits like Act One enhances the educational landscape, proving that the arts must continue to thrive in our schools—and lives.

Original Source: www.kgun9.com