About Us
Children’s Creative Project is a unique program that brings together young people and professional artists, enabling children to develop artistic perception, creative expression, and an understanding of artists, the creative process, and historical and cultural arts heritage. Begun in 1974, the project now reaches 70,000-80,000 children annually during school hours and after school in more than 80 schools in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with visual and performing arts workshops conducted by resident artists and multicultural performances presented by professional touring artists.
Children’s Creative Project supports individual schools and school districts in creating programs that meet the needs and budgets through the program of resident artist workshops, artists provide sequential, participatory lessons in dance, theater, music, and visual arts, providing opportunities for creative expression, skill development, and joyful discovery. These workshops address California public schools' visual and performing arts content standards and can integrate the arts with other academic subject areas.
Our Vision for Arts Education
on the Central Coast
Children's Creative Project (CCP) is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young minds through the transformative power of the arts. Our mission is to create a dynamic and inclusive space where young people and professional artists come together in collaborative exploration. Through innovative programs and immersive experiences, we empower children to discover the boundless possibilities of their imagination, nurturing a lifelong love for the arts. We believe in the inherent potential of every child to cultivate the following:
Artistic Perception
Creative Expression
Aesthetic Valuing
Historical and Cultural Arts Heritage
An Understanding of Artists and the Creative Process
At the heart of our values is the conviction that artistic engagement enhances cognitive, emotional, and social development. By facilitating meaningful interactions with professional artists, we aim to inspire curiosity, instill confidence, and ignite a passion for lifelong learning. Together, we embark on a journey that transcends boundaries, cultivates diversity, and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual.
With unwavering commitment, Children's Creative Project strives to be a catalyst for positive change, creating a future where young minds flourish as confident, empathetic, and culturally aware individuals. Join us in building a world where the transformative power of the arts empowers every child to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
Children’s Creative Project (CCP) Sparks curiosity and cultivates creativity through inclusive arts education for students preschool to grade 12.
We are dedicated to the following:
To provide arts experiences for underserved children not normally exposed to the arts.
To include the visual and performing arts in a child's basic education.
“The arts play an integral role in contributing to the overall well-being of every child. Arts education engages students of all backgrounds and abilities by fostering creativity, developing critical thinking skills, and building empathy for others. These skills are transferable to various academic disciplines and are crucial in preparing our students for future careers in an ever-changing world.”
— Susan Salcido, Ed.D.
Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools
To collaborate with school districts, artists, and arts organizations to develop arts education programs.
To expand work opportunities for professional artists in the schools.
To develop funds to support arts education programs.
To provide workshops and performances that address the California State Department of Education Visual & Performing Arts Content Standards
Santa Barbara County Partnerships
A key strength of Children’s Creative Project (CCP) lies in its collaborative approach. By partnering with local school districts to develop arts education plans that meet the goals administrators have for their students, CCP ensures that its impact is not only widespread but also tailored to the unique needs of the communities it supports. This collaborative model allows for a creative and sustainable integration of arts education into the curriculum.
Professional Development for Educators
Recognizing that educators play a pivotal role in shaping a child's educational journey, the initiative places a strong emphasis on professional development for teachers. In 2023, Children’s Creative Project collaborated with the Dance Education Laboratory based at the 92Y in New York City, a prominent advocate for dance education in K-12 schools, to do professional development training with partner schools in Santa Barbara Unified School District. This investment in teacher development ensures the sustainability and success of the program by fostering a culture of creativity within the school community.
