artsREACH
About Us
artsREACH is a not-for-profit organization created to provide high quality Visual and Performing
Arts workshops to young children. We deliver free 60-minute workshops in the Greater Victoria
regions of- Sooke, Saanich, Victoria- elementary schools that have been identified, by the
Ministry of Education, as having a high percentage of vulnerable families- Community Link
Schools.
Research has shown the benefits that involvement and experiences in the Arts, increases a
child’s capacity to think critically and act independently as well as increase their self-esteem.
Through artsREACH, children have access to an education in the Arts which allows them to
benefit from critical life skill development. In these workshops, the children will have opportunities to:
- develop artistic and creative skills in a positive learning environment
- gain an appreciation for the Arts
- improve their self-confidence and self-esteem
- develop teamwork, communication and personal management skills
Since 2005, more than 45,000 children, in their public schools, have participated in an
artsREACH workshop, delivered by professional artists, actors and dancers.
Why do children need arts programmes?
Involvement in the arts increases a person’s capacity to think critically and act independently – skills that are important to an individual’s ability to contribute to our community. A quality education in the arts is often expensive and therefore inaccessible to the children who may benefit the most.
Enhancing Life Skills
Children who develop communication, personal management and teamwork skills into natural behaviours at a young age are able to use these life skills to create a better future for themselves.
Larin Gronow
"Terrific Day! My students REALLY enjoyed the experience! Please keep doing what you are doing. These kids need these experiences.
THANKS AGAIN!"
-Larin Gronow, Teacher,
Ruth King Elementary School
Lynne Moorhouse
"Being involved on the Board of artsREACH and having the unique opportunity to observe and be a part of the ‘magic’ that our incredible teachers and volunteers provide for the benefit of some of the most needy children in our wider community of schools, is both humbling and exciting. Thank you artsREACH and donors for all you do to bring alive the visual arts and performing arts to children….they deserve it!"
- Lynne Moorhouse, Board Member
Sarah Winkler
"We are so grateful to the artsREACH team for continuing their work in our school community. We have been fortunate to have artsREACH work with our school on staff Pro-D clay workshops with follow-up art sessions in all different classrooms. Grateful for the free programs that allow our students to have access to these experiences that they would not normally get."
- Sarah Winkler, Principal,
George Jay Elementary