TAP: TEACHING ARTISTS PROGRAM BRINGS FREE VISUAL ARTS LESSONS TO RAPID CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2023
TAP: TEACHING ARTISTS PROGRAM BRINGS FREE VISUAL ARTS LESSONS TO RAPID CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2023-2024 Teaching Artists Program (TAP). This transformative initiative aims to bring free visual arts lessons to Rapid City elementary schools. This program embodies RCAC’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in our community through the arts

How It Works: TAP supplements the educational experience of elementary school students by integrating visual arts into school curriculum. Here's how it works:

• Artists visit a classroom full of students to teach a one-hour session, once a week for six consecutive weeks.
• Artists and teachers collaborate one-on-one to develop curriculum connections, student learning goals, and processes.
• The Rapid City Arts Council carefully pairs artists with teachers, ensuring a seamless fit.
• The program requires the approval of the school principal.
• Each teaching artist undergoes training provided by the Rapid City Arts Council before entering a classroom.
• RCAC offers the program free of charge thanks to philanthropic support.

Calling All Artists: If you or someone you know has a passion for art and wants to make a meaningful impact, TAP is the perfect opportunity! By joining TAP, you will:

• Receive training and competitive compensation for your expertise 
• Share your knowledge and skills with young, eager minds.
• Build lasting relationships within the community.
• Be inspired by working with youth and local educators.

Artists, sign up by October 9 to be a part of this enriching experience!

Empowering Educators: Teachers benefit from TAP by opening their classrooms to artistic exploration. Here's why you should consider signing up:

• Art is a catalyst for learning, enhancing student engagement across subjects.
• Arts education nurtures creativity and critical thinking, vital skills for future success.
• It provides practical tools and problem-solving skills required for future careers as engineers, designers, architects, healthcare providers and scientists.
• Offers additional resources for strengthening student understanding on various topics.
• Strengthens ties between the school, educators, students, parents and local artists.

Teachers, sign up by October 20 to bring the power of art to your classroom! Join us in making a difference through art education with TAP!

TAP is a partnership established between Rapid City Area Public Schools and the Rapid City Arts Council in 2014, inspired by themes of transformation and shared values from Destination Rapid City’s Main Street SquareSculpture Project artist Masayuki Nagase.

For more information and to get involved, visit the Rapid City Arts Council website or contact education director Melissa Nelson.

The mission of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion inclusive, innovative, and inspiring arts opportunities to enrich the communities we serve. This organization was founded in 1968 by visionary artists and art enthusiasts, and in 1987, RCAC became the official partner in expanding the city’s arts and cultural resources. Since 1974, RCAC has been the proud steward of the Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org), a civic resource owned by the City of Rapid City. RCAC is dedicated to advocating for the arts and amplifying the artistic voices of the region and offers a wide range of public arts programs, including exhibitions, live performances, and educational classes. This important work is made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors and organizations, including the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, South Dakota Community Foundation, and the South Dakota Arts Council with funds from the State of South Dakota through the Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Rapid City Arts Council and the Dahl Arts Center are located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City. The center is open from Monday to Saturday, between 10 am and 5 pm and admission is free. Learn more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.

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CONTACT:
Maggie Jean Wince
Marketing Director
Rapid City Arts Council
marketing@thedahl.org
605.394.4101 x5​