The City of Memphis is known worldwide for its diverse cultural assets, perhaps best for the history and continuing force of its music. A significant concentration of cultural and artistic attractions for the Mid-South are located in and around Memphis to serve the greater region. These resources include centers for the performing and visual arts, history and science museums, and the national awardwinning Memphis Zoo and Aquarium.

Still, the need for effective access and educational opportunities related to the arts remains pressing. And, to underline the importance of viewing the arts as essential rather than esoteric, a study conducted by Americans for the Arts revealed the following:

Arts in the schools increase test scores and lower dropout rates. The Arts Education Partnership’s publication,Critical Links, contains 62 academic research studies that,taken together, demonstrate that arts education helps close the achievement gap, improves academic skills essential for reading and language development, and advances students’ motivation to learn. (Source: Arts Education Partnership)

More opportunities for exposure to the arts must be made known to children in vulnerable and distressed neighborhoods.

Locally, organizations like ArtsMemphis, Watoto de Africa, and Hattiloo Theater provide avenues for arts education and artistic expression, but all remain grossly underutilized. Each provides rich and rewarding services; what is needed are community advocates who specifically promote arts education and seek ways to use the arts in nontraditional settings to instigate change. More opportunities for exposure to the arts must be made known to children in vulnerable and distressed neighborhoods. The neighborhood church provides the perfect resource of people and facilities to raise the level of awareness of the arts in these communities.