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CAP Marks 30 Years of Igniting Imagination, Creativity in Local Kids

Guest Post by CAP Board Chair Kristine Cherek

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Cathedral Arts Project, an organization that has shaped the lives of thousands of children living on the First Coast by providing access to arts education.

When I was a child, art classes were part of the school curriculum throughout elementary and middle school. Unfortunately, over the past four decades, for myriad reasons, funding for the arts has not been prioritized as an essential part of a well-rounded education. This is astounding, given how many career paths hinge on skills developed through the creative process.

World Drum Students from Hyde Park Elementary

From architecture firms and marketing agencies to media organizations and manufacturing companies, creativity is fundamental to the business world. But the arts teach more than artistic skills and creative thinking. They teach innovation, perseverance and teamwork. And, perhaps most importantly, the arts allow us to discover our own voice and use it for good.

CAP Board Chair, Kristine Cherek

I have been a member of CAP’s board of directors since 2017, and this is my third year serving as board chair. I was introduced to CAP through a friend who invited me to attend an event where CAP students performed. I was immediately impressed not only with the quality of the student pieces, but also with the students’ stories about the impact CAP had on their lives. I immediately knew I wanted to get more involved with this impressive organization.

It has been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the impactful work CAP’s team of dedicated professionals, including world-class teaching artists, does in our community. As of this writing, the organization has served 31,000+ students and shaped the lives of generations of children. Students who participate in CAP programs earn higher levels of academic achievement, fewer behavioral violations, and better school attendance. The data gathered proves that arts education is integral to children reaching their full potential as students. In other words, the arts add up to a well-rounded education.

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Cathedral Arts Project, an organization that has shaped the lives of thousands of children living on the First Coast by providing access to arts education. Share on X

In honor of its 30th anniversary, CAP is hosting an exhibition of student artwork spanning from 2006 to 2022. The exhibition will take place January 8 through February 12 at St. John’s Cathedral — where it all started with just one dance class, a handful of volunteers and 10 children from a nearby transitional housing facility. I invite you to come view their work and celebrate the imagination and creativity of the children in our community.

This was featured as a guest column in the Florida Times-Union.

January 17, 2023

For media inquiries, please contact media@capkids.org.

It’s imperative to hear about the impact of our programs directly from our students! CAP’s vision is for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every child’s unique skills and strengths. capkids.org ⭐️ #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
It's teacher appreciation week and we are all excited to celebrate our amazing CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, Teaching Artists, teaching assistants and classroom partners! 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults in NE Florida, across various educational settings receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, music, theatre and visual arts. CAP also provides specialized programs designed for students with disabilities, including art counseling, music therapy and sensory arts. 

None of this would occur without the passion and dedication of our exemplary CAP teaching artists. We'd like to send them all a deep and resounding thank you, for the important work they do every day to empower each and every child’s creative spirit! #ThankATeacher #TheArtsAddUp
The first show of the Performing Arts Showcase 2025 is a wrap! Thank you to everyone who has supported our incredible performers this year -- no matter how you choose to show that support. None of this would be possible without you! #capkidsjax #artsed #theartsaddup
Performing Arts Showcase rehearsals are in progress here at the @jaxperformingartscenter! We're amazed at the dedication and talent on display this morning. Which performance are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments! #theartsaddup #artsed #showtime
CAP is grateful to announce that we have been awarded a Find Your Light Foundation 2025 grant! Their support allows us to continue to empower every child’s creative spirit, ensuring that students in Northeast Florida have access to quality arts education.

Find Your Light is dedicated to supporting exceptional arts programs where the need is greatest, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a young person’s development. Thank you, Find Your Light, for uplifting the power of the arts and helping us make a lasting impact! #capkidsjax
Spring for the Arts celebrates the impact you, our donors, have had on local students, and raises funds for CAP's REIMAGINE Campaign, with the ultimate goal of putting instruments, paintbrushes, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Get your tickets today at our link in bio! 🎉
Our mission is to inspire every child's creative spirit! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp #artsed #strings
Every heart needs art! Happy Valentines Day❤️
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax #artsed
It was an unforgettable day at the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Hundreds of guests enjoyed the fun and engaging activities during the CAP Family Day at the Cummer! 

Students and their families participated in Intro to Improv, Nature Printmaking, Needle Felting, World Drums, Positive Words Graffiti, Jazz-Tastic Dance, Boom Whackers, a Museum Scavenger Hunt and an Instrument Petting Zoo! Thanks to CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, staff and volunteers for your efforts today. Special thanks to the Cummer Museum for graciously hosting our amazing families! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp
Research indicates that theatre training for children significantly improves their public speaking skills by building confidence, enhancing vocal projection, developing effective body language and fostering emotional intelligence through character exploration. The practice of performing on stage in a supportive environment helps kids feel comfortable expressing themselves publicly and it's fun! Learn more about our theatre programs at capkids.org #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Research from organizations like the Arts Education Partnership, show clear links between arts involvement and positive outcomes in academics, creative and critical thinking, personal behavior and social and civic participation. These benefits reinforce the essential value of the arts to enrich not only individual children and young adults, but also their communities. 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. Learn more at capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Did you know that the arts support students’ social and emotional development, increase empathy, reduce intolerance and generate acceptance of others?

School partnerships with arts organizations can mitigate disparities in students’ arts learning opportunities and resources. Studies consistently demonstrate that the arts are intrinsically beneficial and an essential component of a well-rounded education. Learn more about #artsed by visiting capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax

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