Children’s Creative Project

Preserving Arts Education

By Erica Rascón on Apr 30, 2019 in Giving, People

The Children’s Creative Project (CCP) is needed now more than ever. As traditional support for the arts dwindles, students need programs like CCP to help them develop as creative thinkers and contributors to American culture. The nonprofit arts organization works with schools to customize programs that unite students and professional artists. Students receive the opportunity to learn from professionals free of charge.

Arts funding has been slashed across the nation. School music and theater departments, community centers, professional theaters—all have witnessed a decline in federal, state, and local support. Yet the cutbacks do not reflect the value of the arts. The benefits of arts education remain unchanged and youth interest continues to flourish.

That’s why Kathy Koury dedicated her career to arts education. As Director of CCP and a former dancer, she understands what children can gain from access to the arts at a young age. As a student, Kathy noticed that her high school dance classes were filled with young women who were unfamiliar with their bodies. They wanted to dance but hadn’t had the opportunity to develop physical awareness or confidence in their artistic expression.

“I had grown up playing tennis so I was in tune with controlling my body from a young age,” Kathy says. “I realized that was the difference between me and the other girls who were less comfortable with dance. That’s what inspired me as I completed my dance major. I eventually volunteered for CCP at Franklin School because I wanted them not only to have access to dance but to all the other visual and performing arts experiences.”

In the early 1970s, Kathy and a handful of other artists offered free after school art classes at Franklin. In 1977 Kathy became the program director. The organization blossomed, receiving grants to bring artists into the school during the day. With the support of Superintendent Bill Cirone, the organization continues to provide unique arts programing for nearly 25,000 students throughout the district.

CCP infuses the academic experience with alternative methods of learning and expression. Through hands-on activities kids hone their motor skills, cultural competencies, and interpersonal connections. With ongoing involvement, students develop vital life skills that can aid them in academic and professional performance.

Kathy says, “The students learn self-confidence, creative expression, and cooperation with others especially in the performing arts. They learn how to present themselves–hopefully without fear—and how to speak in front of a group. These skills are positive energy alternatives to drugs, vandalism, and violence.”

CCP also improves students’ receptivity to other subject matter. “The arts inspire children to come to school because they enjoy doing this and they’re more likely to come to participate in something that they like.”

In addition to youth programming, CCP works to ensure that community members can benefit from the wealth of artists in their midst.  Community members may also participate in the upcoming I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival each summer. The chalk art festival on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Mission is one of the highlights of local Memorial Day Festivities and its vibrant temporary creations attract thousands of visitors.

Providing academic and public programming requires $33,000 in funds each year. Fundraising and charitable contributions fuel the organization. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our sponsors such as Yardi,” Kathy says. “Yardi has provided continual support and is one of our highest level sponsors for I Madonnari.”

Public contributions also propel the organization forward. To support arts education in the Santa Barbara district, visit Santa Barbara County Education Office.