ABOUT THE VERY SPECIAL ARTS FESTIVAL

The Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival is an annual inclusive event celebrating the artistic achievements of students with all abilities. The festival features student and professional performances, visual and performing arts workshops, and a student art exhibit created around the theme. Presented in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), the Very Special Arts Festival is free and open to all grade levels. The festival will be in-person again and offer students and teachers the opportunity to experience performances and participate in multiple art workshops.

Included in this study guide are two lesson plans that were crafted to help teachers explore various ideas related to this year’s theme “Create Community”. The lessons have been selected by Jeannine Flores and Karla Sequeira of LACOE from the California County Superintendents Statewide Arts Initiative (formerly CCSESA). The document is entitled “Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Arts Teaching and Learning in Action: Strategies that Increase Student Engagement and Achievement” (CLRP). The lessons were chosen because they are well-curated lessons which focus on community. They are very thoughtful and dynamic ways to bring arts to the classroom. Teachers may wish to incorporate some of these ideas into their existing curriculum in preparation for the festival.

We can’t wait to see you there!