Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center (BCPAC), celebrating its 40th anniversary year, has launched a new initiative to bring arts programming to individuals with special needs in the community.
SPARK Arts will open the door to diverse arts instruction for individuals of all ages, BCPAC officials said, adding it is a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities to develop and express creativity, gain confidence and develop social skills.
Board member Pat Ryan, who has worked for many years with Special Olympics, approached BCPAC Executive Director Darren Litz with the idea.
Ryan related that families and individuals frequently requested this type of arts programming.
“We thought it was a great opportunity to reach and serve a huge desire for our special needs community,” Litz said.
BCPAC formed a focus group to gauge interest and the response, Litz said, was overwhelming.
“People are always looking for more opportunities for their special needs family members to engage in the creative and performing arts, which provide so many learning opportunities to explore and be inspired by all types of art — be it music, visual arts, theater, culinary arts, literary arts, etc.,” Litz said.
“SPARK Arts is just that, igniting an individual’s ability to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts and inspire change. The arts provide a unique way of expressing ideas, beliefs and emotions that can resonate with individuals on a deeper level,” Litz continued. “The production of something tangible and uniquely one’s own can increase self-efficacy and self-determination. Arts programming helps people find joy, confidence and fulfillment in life, and many of the skills acquired are things they can use for a lifetime.”
Ryan said, “We were blown away by all the survey responses we received and the various types of art that folks were interested in. Who would have thought that culinary arts would be among the top choices?
“So, we picked the top three, and just like that we have instructors and materials and locations, and we’re ready to launch a pilot program. It’s been absolutely amazing,” Ryan said.
Dance Arts will take place on Saturdays at Studio B Dance Academy, with Katie Neidich as lead instructor. Painting Arts are scheduled for Saturdays at Marilyn Horne Hall, with Kathleen Shay as lead artist. Culinary Arts will be offered weekly at dates to be announced, with Joel Meyer as lead instructor.
There is limited space for each type of class at this time and not every individual may have an opportunity to participate in this first installment, but plans are already in the works for future classes, officials said.
“Because this is a start-up program, BCPAC is looking for businesses, organizations, foundations and individuals willing to help financially kickstart everything,” Ryan said. “Once we have proof of concept for the program and can show the effects of the initiative, we know we’ll be able to find some grants to support the project.”
Advance registration is required and can be done online at www.bcpac.com or by stopping by the BCPAC office at 119 Main St. in Bradford. Registration is only open until April 15 and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
SPARK artists will display their work and/or perform as part of Bradford Little Theater’s “From the Heart” at 2 p.m. June 2 at Pitt-Bradford’s Bromeley Theater.
SPARK Arts aims to support meaningful, integrated and creative lives through the arts.
