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Corcoran ArtReach

“It has been a joy to watch Mia build her grasp of artistic technique and sense of creativity through her participation in this camp. This was an opportunity that we could never have afforded on our own.”

—Rachel K., parent

Mission

Celebrating its 16th year, ArtReach extends the resources of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Corcoran College of Art + Design to underserved communities in Washington, D.C. through free high-quality arts education programs. Using the Gallery’s collections as a primary resource, ArtReach makes a special effort to foster the creativity and visual literacy skills of individuals while helping them develop meaningful connections between art and their lives.

Serving more than 150 student artists (ages 8–18) and their families each year, ArtReach provides visual arts instruction and programming in local community centers, including after-school and summer classes as well as open family workshops.

History and Vision

Corcoran ArtReach, originally named VACOP for Visual Arts Community Outreach Program, was founded in 1992. The program was implemented due to drastic art cutbacks in the District’s public school system and began with scholarships to continuing education classes for youth at the Corcoran and an after-school program at community centers. It grew to include summer classes, regular field trips to the gallery and designated museum staff within each community center. VACOP founder and former Dean of the Corcoran College of Art + Design, Samuel Hoi believed that arts education should be accessible to everyone regardless of economic, social or educational status stating, “my drive to work with inner-city youth comes from my belief that art and design are equalizers in society, and also can be used as community building tools. You can reach a common ground through which people can come together.”

In a major step designed to integrate its education and outreach services, the Corcoran made ArtReach a formal part of the Gallery's education department in December 2001. This change has not only enhanced the Corcoran's ability to develop innovative cross program initiatives, but also has produced significant benefits for Corcoran ArtReach staff and students. These include more comprehensive access to the Corcoran's Teacher Resource Service and special educator workshops, as well as to the Corcoran's curators, the many contemporary artists who exhibit at the museum, and the education staff's contacts within the D.C. public schools (DCPS). ArtReach continues its founding vision today by encouraging dialogue between the museum and its community through ongoing educational programs.

Program Summary

ArtReach introduces young people to the Gallery’s collections and the art-making process through ongoing classes and workshops that take place within community partner centers throughout the city. Community partner centers offer a safe, nurturing environment and a designated art studio for ArtReach to operate. Part-time and full-time teaching artists hold office hours within each center, serving as a regular presence and liaison between the community, schools, families, and students.

Classes operate year-round and are divided into three semesters (fall, spring and summer). The fall and spring semesters occur over a 12–15 week period and include after-school classes for 90 minutes, once a week. The summer semester occurs over a four- to six-week period and includes classes for 90 minutes, twice a week. Additionally, ArtReach hosts regular family workshops and participates in special events at partner centers throughout the year.

The Corcoran’s ArtReach classes combine art appreciation and art making into a unique learning experience. Students learn to look at, discuss, and interpret works of art in the galleries on field trips; experiment with a variety of art materials and methods; and create their own artwork inspired by these experiences. ArtReach participants exhibit their work in community galleries at the end of each semester and at the Corcoran each spring in an exhibition called Expressions, Art by D.C. Youth. The nature of this experience allows students to reflect on their creative process and share it with others.