Arts Access

1) A broad range of arts learning workshops (5) were provided to fair goers at each fair that allowed participants a project-based experience with take-home materials to continue their arts experience. The musical performances included many genres including: bluegrass, and British Isles folk music, flash mob dance experience. For nearly all who participated, this was their first flash mob experience. This grant gave us an opportunity to connect with the fair boards, Boys and Girls Club and 4 H, broadening our reach and helping build partnerships for the future. 2) To evaluate we used printed surveys, verbal feedback and for the musical performances a series of questions asked by the performers with hands raised for responses. We were very interested in learning if participants felt the fair was a good venue for arts learning and 93% of the responders said yes. 2: 1. All the organizations involved have asked us to return next year if possible and are anxious to make access to the arts an even higher priority at the 2013 fairs. The arts learners overwhelmingly responded the fair was a good venue for new arts experiences and the fair boards were delighted with the events added to positively expand the fair experience for attendees and add something new to attract more audience. The perceived barrier that arts are not inclusive was overcome with the informal surroundings and all participants responded positively to their experience. 77% of participants responded this was their first experience with a new artform. 2) We used written surveys at the end of each arts learning event to determine acceptance of the art form taught and whether it was a first time experience and if the new skills learned would be used in the future. 95% of the Boys and Girls Club participants responded a 1(being best) and two on a scale of four on how they rated the activity.