For about 10 years, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Arts Education has offered a version of what is now known as the Arts and Cultural Experiences (ACE) program. Through a partnership with more than 20 organizations, the ACE program exposes K-12 students to a variety of interactive experiences through visual arts, music, dance and theater.

This school year, there have been more than 60 experiences planned for approximately 19 CMS schools. ACE programming is scheduled throughout the school year and experiences are planned to align with grade-level needs and feedback shared about what schools have enjoyed. 

“Everything that we bring in or take students to is very engaging,” said Justin Pierce, director of Arts Education.

From watching performances from the Charlotte Ballet and Children’s Theater of Charlotte to taking a visit to the Mint Museums and the Harvey Gantt Center, students have opportunities to explore art across several disciplines at school or on location.

“It’s so important for students to learn about all the different types of art,” said Melanie Champagne, K-5 visual arts teacher at Montclaire Elementary School. Earlier this month, the Charlotte Ballet visited Montclaire to perform “Sleeping Beauty.” They also had a visit from Kevin Brawley, a former CMS music teacher and creator of Studio Time with Mr. B, who offers programs that blend English language arts and science with music and technology.

“The kids were clearly very excited seeing the lifts and movement during ‘Sleeping Beauty,’” said Champagne. “The kids are so excited to see these kinds of things. Sometimes this is the only exposure they’ll see and might not get that experience outside of school, so it’s great to be able to provide that for them.”

Pierce hopes to continue to see the program grow and the partner list expand to continue to offer a variety of experiences to students. 

“Every year we add to our base and work with organizations across all four disciplines of the arts,” said Pierce. “We’re always trying to make connections to what students are learning. Not every student is going to be an artist, but these cultural experiences are really important to their social-emotional learning and their overall growth, too.”