September is just around the corner, which means the beginning of another school year! As a creative way to get out of the classroom, the Rotary Centre for the Arts offers quality arts and culture-based school field trips. Running since 2001 our Arts Discovery program has been an integral part of the RCA’s youth programming. Arts Discovery saw 155-grade school classes (nearly 4,000 students) come through our doors in the 2022-2023 school year. Through Arts Discovery, we bring together a variety of instructors from different artistic backgrounds, including hand drumming, musical theatre, martial arts, puppetry, dioramas, and storytelling. With classes in visual arts, theatre arts, and more, these diverse programs provide opportunities for youth (and teachers) to explore new creative mediums that they may not have the space or time to explore during their busy school days.

Teacher Testimonials: 

 “Martial Arts is always great! The instructors kept the kids engaged for the full hour. Both our students and staff took a lot away from it.”  

“It was a fantastic experience. Well organized and geared towards the kids.”  

“It's a beautiful place and students really enjoyed the instructor.” 

Arts Discovery take place all throughout the RCA – children from kindergarten to grade 5 can be found dancing in our two dance studios, creating works of art in our paint studio, and performing skits in our main theatre. This allows students to learn in professional art spaces, and it’s often the first time that young children walk onto a professional theatre stage! We believe it is important to inspire children to pursue performing or visual arts, and Arts Discovery helps them see that such creative pursuits are possible.

For our instructors, teaching art goes beyond mere instruction; it encompasses something much more meaningful. Many also incorporate important life lessons in their teaching, forming real connections with students in the process. Angela Roy, for example, is a Metis musician who teaches students about empathy, respect, and our relationship to the non-human world through songs and drumming. Our partners from Great Way Martial Arts teach students about persevering, developing focus, and being mindful of one’s body through Kung Fu.

“As a music and rhythm instructor, I feel that the opportunity for students to access a performing arts facility to engage in the arts is amazing,” says Angela Roy. “The performing and visual arts is accessible to all! At times this may be the students first experience at the RCA; this program bridges these gaps. As well, the community collaborations with the Art Gallery and Museum showcase Kelowna’s Cultural District to teachers and students.”

Arts Discovery is made possible by support from School District 23. The RCA is extremely grateful to have the ability, thanks to our funders, to provide space for youth to experience arts and culture while learning valuable life skills along the way.
 
We are excited to continue working with these instructors and others in the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.

Are you a teacher planning for your school year? Book an Arts Discovery day today.

You can also book activities with the Kelowna Art Gallery and the Kelowna Museums - make it a full day in Kelowna’s Culture District.