Beginnings
Starting Arts was inspired by the simple observation that something special happens when young people connect with the arts, creating opportunities to develop key life skills and evolve into confident, articulate, team-conscious members of our communities.
We believe that an education without arts exposure is incomplete and falls far short of extraordinary. That unwavering belief translated into our mission: to make arts education accessible to all students in Bay Area schools.
Starting Arts, which began in 2000 at Ponderosa Elementary School in Santa Clara, has now served over 125 schools in the Bay Area. This growth has been facilitated by our ability to customize programs to meet the needs of each school and its community.
We make quality arts instruction affordable and accessible by forging partnerships with schools, school districts, and arts organizations.
We are proud to have a long-standing, successful relationship with SA. We are also honored to be the first school at which SA provided services. Ponderosa values the opportunities SA provides to our students and SA teachers are phenomenal! We count on SA to help us educate the whole child. We are thankful for the strong relationship we have with SA and for the access they provide to our kids!
-Polly McBride, Former Principal, Ponderosa Elementary
Elevating the Arts
Over the past two-and-a-half decades, Starting Arts has provided hands-on arts experience in four disciplines (dance, music, theatre and visual arts) through classes, workshops, and camps taught by skilled professional artists eager to share their expert knowledge and passion with students. We also offer scholarships to deserving students who want to advance their skills through our Studio and Dream Team classes, workshops, productions, and camps.
Starting Arts assumes responsibility for organizing, scheduling and developing curricula at substantially reduced costs. During-school arts programs become financially viable when districts are freed from large administrative costs associated with permanent staff and curricula development. After-school programs become more accessible to students when rent-free use of school facilities reduces class fees and eliminate transportation issues for parents. Supporting this format of arts education is a low-cost, high-return investment for the entire community
A New Era Begins: The Shared Arts Center
The rapid expansion of our programs and the continued enthusiastic participation of every school we serve is a testament to the combination of elements that makes Starting Arts both proficient and unique. Our experienced, competent and exuberant artists bring dance, music, theatre and visual arts to life. The flexibility of our programs makes arts enrichment viable for every school. A core team of competent, hardworking full-time staff give year-to-year continuity to our programs. And, a diverse board brings a wealth of business experience and love of the arts.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to expand access to the visual and performing arts in the San Jose and Santa Clara County communities.
The development of our innovative Shared Arts Center will foster new partnerships, shared resources, and the continued evolution of robust programming which has been the hallmark of Starting Arts for the past 25 years.
Thank you for every bit of talent, warmth, authenticity, positivity and professionalism you’ve poured into these kids. You’re leaving a legacy of these things that will change theatre and communities for the better.
– Stephanie Trigg, Parent