History/Social Studies

Since its founding in 1991, P.S. ARTS' purpose has been to ensure high-quality, sustainable arts education for children in under-resourced public schools. Our programs are designed and continuously revised to be in alignment with the needs of the communities we serve, contributing to children's wellbeing and elevating their future school and career prospects. P.S. ARTS was created in response to significant education budget cuts in the 1970s and 1980s that resulted in the near elimination of arts programs in California public schools. Now in its 25th anniversary year, P.S.

The Santa Clarita PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program provides exceptional workshops, residencies, assemblies & bus-in opportunities for schools and students. Our roster continues to grow as we add new teaching artists and workshop choices as well as exceptional assembly programs. All of our programming meets or exceeds California’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards, and many of them support the California State Common Core Standards.

The Symphonic Jazz Orchestra (SJO) believes in the power of music to transform individuals, schools and communities. Created in 2002, the SJO is the only organization of its kind in the country, uniquely dedicated to blending the worlds of jazz and classical music with a mission to inspire and educate through its “Music in the Schools” residency program and free community concerts and to commission and perform symphonic jazz compositions in concerts across Southern California.

UniverSOUL Hip Hop, LLC is a K-12 cultural educational group of international, award-winning artists and educators. We artfully blend the creativity of Hip Hop with the rigor of standards-based pedagogy and practices to provide cutting edge, interdisciplinary dance programs that cultivate lifelong learning, social fellowship, and 21st century success.

MY OWN STORY is an autobiographical writing/storytelling/performing workshop for youth to creatively explore, write, and perform their own unique autobiographical life stories in the context of monologues, spoken word, and performance/theater. THREE LIVES is a one-man performance/theater show that tells the autobiographical tale of Alex Luu's escape from war-torn Saigon. The show is kinetic/comic/poignant, and addresses themes such as identity, assimilation, racism, and the multi-layers of the American Dream.

Our methodology is successful because the "language" of animation is universal. It speaks to all ages and transcends cultural barriers. It is a powerful means of communication. We formed AnimAction in 1989, with a single purpose in mind: to utilize our professional expertise in creating a unique and innovative environment for young people; one where they could experience the spirit of collaboration, develop new skills, and exercise the ability to make their own creative choices.

The Armory Center for the Arts builds on the power of art to transform lives and communities through creating, teaching, and presenting the arts. At the core of the Armory’s work is a deep commitment to social justice through arts education. A key goal of the Armory’s mission is to provide engaging, high-quality art classes and art experiences in the region’s lowest income neighborhoods in order to advance cultural equity. Over 80% of programming serves socioeconomically disadvantaged youth and families.

The Skirball Cultural Center welcomes people of all communities and generations to participate in cultural experiences that celebrate discovery and hope, foster human connections, and call upon us to help build a more just society.

Create Now is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that gives youth opportunities to find their voices through arts mentoring and education. We especially serve children ages 2-21 who have been abused, neglected, homeless, domestic violence victims, incarcerated, etc. by matching them with artists, writers, musicians, actors, dancers and others, including mentors who teach life skills. Create Now provides training and materials to implement therapeutic programs in music, writing, visual arts, performing arts, fashion and digital media at 100+ partner agencies, like shelters and group homes.

A leader at the cultural heart of Los Angeles County, The Music Center brings to life one of the world’s premier arts destinations by creating opportunities for arts participation, enabling compelling programming and providing first-class venues and services.