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Can we raise $5 million for Northeast Florida arts students before this summer? Yes—with your help.

Photo by Sindy Gonzalez

The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) is thrilled to announce that we’ve reached the initial REIMAGINE Campaign goal of raising $21 million to help ensure access to arts education for all students in Northeast Florida.

26 by '26. With less than a year to go, your support is critical to ensure a brighter future for Northeast Florida families. A white drawing of a paintbrush which is filled with yellow to a line labeled $21 million and empty to the tip, labeled $26 million.

We’ve worked to raise these funds since the launch of the campaign in 2019, aiming to reach our goals by July 2026. Donations large and small from across the region, as well as tireless work building strong corporate, public and private philanthropic partnerships, have helped build a robust foundation for our students.

Having reached the first goal ahead of schedule, CAP has time to set its aim even higher: We now invite the public to become our partners, as well, in creating brighter futures for young people in our community. 

No donation to support our students’ futures is too small. Every dollar donated to the REIMAGINE Campaign supports CAP programs, allowing us to hire and retain high-quality teaching artists and support student exhibitions and performances, with the goal of making high-quality arts education and therapeutic services the bridge to better grades, healthier futures and a ready workforce for Northeast Florida.  

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity inspired by the REIMAGINE Campaign, CAP has laid the foundation for something even greater. We are deepening and expanding our programs because we believe that meaningful arts education unlocks the full potential of every child—and, in turn, our community,” says Doug Walker, CAP Vice President of Philanthropy. “When we invest in the arts, we invest in the human spirit. The quality of life rises for all of us when creativity is part of our shared story. Join us as we compose the next movement in this success story.” 

Expanding Goals: Reaching More Students, Strengthening Bonds

For the final phase of our campaign, we are turning our attention to inviting small and sustaining donors with new goals to be completed by July 1, 2026 and even higher aspirations for investment in the future of Northeast Florida:

  • Foster a new generation of innovative thinkers and engaged citizens by reaching 5,000 students in the Northeast Florida region in the 26-27 school year with the transformative power of arts education 
  • Expand its Emerging Artist Programs to more art forms, providing advanced education in the arts to students who could otherwise not afford it 
  • Strengthen connections with students by embedding more Teaching Artist Fellows full-time in classrooms 
  • Raising an additional $5 million, with a focus on increasing its endowment, growing corporate and foundation partnerships and inviting the public to become sustaining contributors to our children’s success.

 

By hiring more teachers and expanding specialized programs, CAP is better positioned to:

  • Narrow academic achievement gaps; 
  • Impart creative and cognitive skills that inspire deeper connections and greater emotional and intellectual growth; 
  • And inspire future citizens of Jacksonville to create a better city and world for us all. 

Your support of CAP funds arts programs throughout the region, helps students succeed academically, builds bright futures and grows a stronger community. Together, we reimagine what is possible for every child, for every future—for all of us.  

Learn more about REIMAGINE at this link, and visit capkids.org/give to contribute to the REIMAGINE Campaign today. 

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

CAP is hiring a full-time Special Assistant to the President & CEO! This is a rare opportunity to work closely with the CEO of a dynamic and successful nonprofit and to become a trusted partner in shaping how the organization runs. 

Learn more about the role and how to apply by clicking the Work at CAP 🌟 link in bio.

This is a wonderful role for someone who wants to be trusted with meaningful work in service of children, creativity and a brighter future for Northeast Florida. We look forward to hearing from you! 💜
Research shows clear links between arts involvement and positive outcomes in academics, creative and critical thinking, personal behavior, and social and civic participation. Rhythm-based musical training, in particular, has been shown to enhance higher-order cognition and motor control. These benefits reinforce the essential value of the arts to enrich not only individual children and young adults, but also their communities. For more information about CAP programs visit our link in bio.🪘
Thank you to all who attended the CAP Visual Arts Showcase Opening Receptions today! You can still view the inspiring artwork created by CAP students through June 10 at the Alexander Brest Gallery at Jacksonville University! Don’t miss it!🎨🎉 
#capkidsjax
CAP is hiring a Part Time Teaching Artist in Strings! As a CAP Teaching Artist specializing in strings, you'll inspire young lives by providing instruction in violin, viola, cello and/or bass in afterschool settings across Northeast Florida. You'll create and utilize engaging, standards-aligned curriculum and lead enriching educational experiences that ignite students' creative spirits and foster a lifelong appreciation for music. Start Date: August 2026. 
For more information visit the Work at CAP link in bio. Apply today!🎻
Every child has a creative spirit. The study of music develops their unique strengths – like self-confidence, creative thinking, self-respect, empathy and perseverance. Participation in the arts creates extraordinary change in the lives of children that sets them up to succeed in school and in life.🌟#theartsaddup #capkidsjax #artsed
Are you a military family? CAP is proud to provide two FREE week-long arts camps for Blue Star Families this summer!🎶👯Supported by the @Kids Hope Alliance, CAP’s Brave HeArts program provides military families with the opportunity for their students to explore their creativity through a variety of arts experiences and performances. Led by CAP teaching artists, campers of all experience levels will enjoy music and dance activities designed to spark creativity and self-expression. Learn more and register at our Brave HeArts link in bio!💙

Session 1 | Music Exploration
July 6-10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rising 3rd – 5th graders
Campers will explore their musical interests through both individual and collaborative instruction. 

Session 2 | Dance Exploration
July 13-17 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rising 3rd – 5th graders
Campers will embark on an exciting journey in this beginner-level dance camp.

Location: Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Come out to this Riverside Arts Market and cheer for our Emerging Artists Programs students in the CAP Dance Ensemble, CAP String Orchestra and CAP Theatre Company on the River Stage this Saturday, May 2 beginning at 10:30 am! 🎻👯🎭Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Spring for the Arts is tomorrow and the silent auction is officially OPEN – you can place your bids remotely or in-person with the auction link in bio!

This annual event 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 paint brushes, instruments, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.🎉Happy bidding!

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