Youth access the arts with the Moss Arts Center

Some of our region’s public schools have had to cut their arts programs entirely. Others have had to scale way back on what they offer. National funding for the arts may be on the chopping block. Now more than ever entities such as the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech must step up efforts to fill some of these gaps for the benefit of our children’s future, for all of our futures.

Exposure to the arts is known to inspire children to think and solve problems more creatively. It nourishes the ability to empathize and understand the world in a larger context. It helps them make connections between abstract concepts and their own lives. Engagement with the Moss Arts Center levels the playing field for all children of our region, ensuring that each child has the same chance to become a well-rounded individual.

We ask schoolchildren for their feedback after Moss Arts Center engagements. Time and again some tell us how we provided the first opportunity for them to see and hear a musical instrument, how they felt the power of live music making the hairs on their head “stand up,” how excited they were to see their own artwork displayed prominently in a professionally mounted exhibition for all to see. A child carries these experiences of joy and pride with them for the rest of their lives.

The performances, artist residencies in schools, youth gallery exhibitions, and other opportunities we offer youth in kindergarten through twelfth grades in schools throughout our region are all provided at no cost to the children. Since the Moss Arts Center opened in fall of 2013, more than 12,000 children have enjoyed these opportunities. Your support will help us grow our school programs for the benefit of many more children in Southwest Virginia and our neighboring communities. For as little as $6, you can make a life-changing impact on a child.