1/14/2022
Education and Outreach
The Smith Center offers a variety of valuable programs and experiences to advance arts education, not just for students in schools, but also for some of our youngest community members. This includes the center’s new Toddler Time initiative, launched in late 2021 in collaboration with the neighboring Discovery Children’s Museum in Symphony Park. This program supports early childhood learning with arts strategies created by Smith Center teaching artists, who apply their skills from dance, theater, music and storytelling careers. The hour-long sessions use group exercises to help the participants, all between 1 and 6 years old, with exploring important life themes during their visit to the museum. Each session draws inspiration from popular children’s books with inspiring messages, such as “It’s Okay to Be Different,” encouraging acceptance, understanding and confidence, and “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” promoting confidence and positive self-esteem. More information about The Smith Center’s education and outreach initiatives can be found here.
