Learning & Engagement

Learning Through the Arts

at Walton Arts Center

Did you take a field trip to WAC as a child? Maybe you’re a teacher who looks forward to bringing their students to a show – or even a parent who makes a point to be a field trip chaperone when your child is heading to WAC.

In a typical season more than 25,000 children get to see a live theater performance at Walton Arts Center through the Colgate Classroom Series. The series is designed to give students of all ages an opportunity to take an arts field trip to the theater. There are multiple performances to choose from each season including shows like the entertaining Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, or educational shows like Digging Up Arkansas that effectively teach students the history of Arkansas.

We believe that all students should have access to formative arts experiences. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 environment, we recognize that field trips are more challenging than ever for schools. We will continue offer virtual-only curriculum-linked performances in Fall 2021 and return to in-person school performances in Spring 2022 – all at no cost to schools. When you become a Friend of Walton Arts Center, make a donation, or attend Art of Wine, Masquerade Ball or AMPfest, you are helping us continue to do this important work in our community.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Since 2001, more than 600,000 students and teachers have been served by our arts education programs.

More than 25,000 students from nearly 90 schools annually experience a live performance at Walton Arts Center as part of the Colgate Classroom Series.

Each year, nearly 100 teachers and teaching artists learn to use the arts to teach core curriculum subjects like literacy, social studies, and science. These exemplary educators bring the arts to more than 1,000 students, kindergarten through high school.

More than 69,000 students in 75 Arkansas counties have learned about Arkansas history through the arts programs since 2013.