HISTORY AND MISSION
STORY:
Arts Horizons (AH) is in our 45th year as a non-profit arts organization that enhances the lives of people of all ages and abilities by creating opportunities to engage in the arts. We are committed to making the performing, visual, literary, media arts and artistic expression equitable and accessible to diverse people of all ages and abilities. We believe that arts and culture are fundamental to enrich education and provide meaningful interactions for communities to reflect on shared human experiences. Drawing on our wealth of experience, we offer innovative and culturally responsive programming from early childhood through seniors. We offer a range of specialized programs including those for multilingual learners, students grieving after the loss of family members, hospitalized youth, and special education students. Arts Horizons was founded in 1978 by John Devol, trumpet player, music educator and parent. John played in the orchestra of A Chorus Line for the entire 15-year run of the show and, as he sat in the pit night after night, he realized the importance of bringing quality music to children. He got together with fellow Broadway musicians and formed Festival Brass, a lively, interactive music assembly program that taught students about the brass family of instruments. In 1995 Festival of Music became Arts Horizons, a full-service arts-in-education organization.
Now entering our fourth decade, we reach more than 250,000 students and teachers every year. Looking back over the past four decades, John Devol says, "We are committed to foster the development of the whole person by integrating the arts into the educational experience, and we endeavor to instill in people of all ages and abilities a knowledge of their own creativity. When I visit schools and senior centers and see faces light up, I know that it's all been worthwhile."
MISSION:
Our mission is to enhance the lives of people of all ages and abilities by creating equitable opportunities to engage in the arts.
VISION:
Our vision is to transform lives through the power of the arts.
VALUES:
Equitable Accessibility: We are committed to making the arts and artistic expression equitably accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Multiple Art Forms: We are committed to exploring multiple art forms including music, visual arts, dance, theater, arts technology, creative writing, and speaking.
Power Of Art: We believe in the power of the arts to enhance educational experiences.
Artists In Society: We value the central role of artists and their work in our society.
Artistic Growth: We are committed to providing teaching artists with opportunities to grow and sustain their creative work.
Art As Career: We are committed to introducing young people to possible career paths in the arts.
Arts Horizons is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Access
ADA Statement of Compliance: Arts Horizons is sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities and has been at the forefront of programming both for audiences with special needs and by artists with disabilities. It is our belief that the arts can broaden the horizons of children with disabilities in ways that are unparalleled in other methods of learning. If any individual needs special assistance or assistive technology, please contact Arts Horizons within two or more weeks of the program to make the necessary arrangements.
