Advantages of Arts Education
Why is theatre so important in our current climate? It is a revelation for us to be able to articulate that theatre for young people can positively impact a child’s health and wellness. ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People, distributed a manifesto in 2020 that acts as a tool to support arts advocacy especially related to children and young people and for those who produce it. We align perfectly with this manifesto.
The manifesto preamble suggests that, “more than ever, taking action in favour of an equal and equitable access to arts and culture is an indispensable requirement, as we want our children live in a sustainable and healthy world.” It goes on to say, “The arts are particularly vulnerable at this time, having been deeply impacted by COVID-19, and the subsequent economic conditions. Arts (and the artists that produce it) are a vital part of humanity’s expression, critical reflection and health and well-being. Children and young people have the right to access and participate in the arts, even and especially in times of crisis.” http://www.assitej-international.org/en/2020/09/assitej-manifesto-2/
Quest Theatre is dedicated to accessing young people and cultivating their creative lives. This is what we were built for. Traditionally we travel around Alberta in a van and conduct programming in community spaces, typically in gyms, but also in churches, libraries, foyers, malls, shelters and children’s hospitals. If we are not finding a way to access young people to deliver this magical, playful, spirit-lifting cultural activity during this isolated, slightly frightening, masked, and sanitized pandemic, we have clearly lost our way.
At Quest, we have been getting creative in how we deliver theatre to young people at a time when being physically close isn’t possible. We’ve developed online drama camps & class offerings and are getting ready to jump into online artists in school residencies for schools! We are tinkering with outdoor theatre and have started exploring high tech solutions like virtual and augmented reality. Look for our upcoming digital productions of some of our most popular productions in the coming school year. We are pulling out all the stops and drawing on our superhero powers of adaptability to ensure we are still bringing joy, sparking imagination and delivering our quality arts education to young people. Our mission of nurturing young people has never been more important.
Written by Nikki Loach
