Arts, cultural organizations to offer fall programs for Genesee County students

FLINT, Mich. – Genesee County arts and cultural organizations are encouraging local caregivers and educators to take advantage of unique fall programming for children as the new school year kicks off.

“The back-to-school season is an excellent time to take advantage of educational programs for students at any of our area’s excellent arts and cultural institutions,” Flint Cultural Center Corporation CEO Mark Sinila said.

He added: “Genesee County is fortunate to have a diverse set of arts and cultural institutions that offer one-of-a-kind educational opportunities for kids across the county.”

The Genesee County Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment Millage ensures that all Genesee County students, regardless of their zip code, age or background, can access rich learning opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom. Institutions that receive millage funding include Sloan Museum of Discovery, Longway Planetarium, Flint Institute of Arts (FIA), Flint Institute of Music (FIM), Berston Field House, New McCree Theatre and Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC).

“Last year, Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium reached nearly 100,000 children through educational field trips, camps, workshops, scout visits, family nights and more,” said Laurie Bone, director of education and outreach at Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium.

Bone added: “For this upcoming school year, we’ve designed 77 different types of field trips in STEM, history and social studies for kindergartners through middle school aged kids.”

The millage-recipient institutions offer a variety of on-site, virtual and classroom opportunities. Sloan, Longway and FIA have low-cost programming for school groups. FIM offers performances and programs at low or no cost to educators, depending on need, and Berston’s and New McCree Theatre’s kids programming is free to those enrolled.

“At the Flint Institute of Arts, we offer a wide range of educational programming for educators and students, both at the museum and off-site through outreach programming,” said Matthew Osmon, director of education at FIA.

He continued: “Our field trip experiences offer opportunities that children cannot get in books, on TV or on the internet. I encourage Genesee County teachers to reach out soon to schedule a field trip so that their kids can experience the visual arts in person through exhibitions and hands-on activities.”

“FIM is passionate about exposing students to the power of the performing arts,” said Amanda Sauvie, FIM manager of community programs.

“FIM Community Programs served more than 25,000 Greater Flint youth residents throughout the last school year, and in October, we will kick off a full season of educational performances and field trip opportunities with matinée performances of Godspell at FIM Flint Repertory Theatre,” Sauvie added. “Getting kids excited to learn about and engage in the performing arts can be transformative.”

“This year, more than 500 children, youth, adults and seniors have regularly enjoyed arts, cultural and educational programs and recreational activities at Berston,” said Friends of Berston Executive Director James Avery. “

Avery added: We’re excited for our upcoming fall programming season, and we’re looking forward to continuing to provide access to unique cultural, social, recreational and educational experiences to residents of Flint and Genesee County.”

Charles Winfrey, executive director at New McCree Theatre stated: “New McCree Theatre is committed to sharing the joys of music and the performing arts with our local youth. New sessions of music instruction and performing arts education for kids ages 5 to 13 will begin in October and we welcome the community to take advantage.”

“Greater Flint Arts Council is proud to fund a wide range of organizations across Genesee County so they can offer educational programs to kids in our communities,” said Greg Fiedler, president and CEO of GFAC.

“From the Fenton Village Players to the African Drum and Dance Parent Association and the Clio Center for the Arts, we encourage caregivers to take their children to experience cultural programming at a local organization near them,” Fiedler continued.

Caregivers and educators can learn more about each institutions’ educational offerings on their websites or by calling:

The Genesee County Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment Millage supports one-of-a-kind educational opportunities for Genesee County kids, students of all ages, families, adults and seniors. Through the millage, Genesee County’s diverse set of cultural institutions, including world-class museums, music programs, performing arts venues and a planetarium, are available for public use and support our local economy.

Thanks to the Genesee County Arts Education & Cultural Enrichment Millage, county residents enjoy free general admission to the Sloan Museum of Discovery and the Flint Institute of Arts, 50% off Longway Planetarium, as well as 30-75% off performances and admissions at other millage-recipient institutions including Flint Institute of Music venues, Berston Field House and The New McCree Theatre.