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In 1981, with a tiny budget from the Mayor and the charge to “make the arts available to all,” Burlington City Arts (BCA) was born.
From the beginning, BCA filled a major need—providing a prominent space for art where previously there was none, bringing a wealth of programs to the community, and igniting a city-wide renaissance in the creation and appreciation of art. Since then, BCA has grown into a full-fledged department of the City of Burlington, but functions simultaneously as a non-profit organization and fundraises for 85% of its operating budget. Now the cultural and economic center of Chittenden County, Burlington has evolved from a town of side streets to being lauded as one of America’s “10 Hippest Art Towns” and one of the top 25 small city arts destinations. In spite of these accolades, the area also has the highest rate of families with children living in poverty in the state and the highest rate of people receiving food stamps. Every child should have the opportunity to experience art.
But sadly, for children in need, summer art camps, visits to museums, travel to cities, and enrichment opportunities so common to fortunate children are virtually non-existent. We make a difference. Our educational offerings include classes, camps and workshops for children year round as well as programs that are targeted to capture at risk teens or reach out to hospitalized children. We build a scholarship fund every year so that no one who seeks to take a class, camp or advance their professionalism is ever turned away. Last year alone, 9,953 people attended BCA education events, 5,055 kids and adults became inspired in our art classes, 1092 children were comforted through the arts in FAHC’s pediatric wing, 40 mentoring relationships began, 183 scholarships were awarded, and 160 pre-school kids developed literacy skills through the arts in our Early Arts program. In addition to a number of other programs, BCA organizes free concerts for the community in Battery Park every summer, manages the Artist Market in City Hall Park, and exhibits a broad range of artwork through the Firehouse Gallery, Metropolitan Gallery, Burlington International Airport and many other sites.
The successes of our talented and deserving youth are dependent upon rich experiences that can change the course of a life, and the generosity of our community makes these experiences possible for so many. Thank you for your support of arts education at Burlington City Arts!
Learn more about us at burlingtoncityarts.com