Jump-Start
Performance Co. Education Programs
Vision
Experience has shown me that bringing the
arts into our schools softens the heart, feeds the soul, and
nourishes the brain. Art heals. My words of gratitude for Jump-Start
cannot measure up to the million thank-yous in my heart. I believe
that we have all benefitted from this awesome experience and,
in a small way, made our world a better place.
- Michele Brinkley,
Teacher, Tejeda Academy
Art is a powerful tool for empowering individuals to discover
constructive ways to make their voices heard, to impact their community
and to take control of their future. Through the arts, individuals
can hone higher-level thinking skills, explore group processes,
problem-solve for the future, develop creative potential and self-esteem,
learn multidisciplinary processes (using various arts disciplines),
and enhance cognitive development. In its educational work, Jump-Start
plays a pioneering role in creating programs that focus on long-term
collaboration and integrating the arts with social issues and academic
achievement.
About Jump-Start Performance Co.
The work Jump-Start does
is brave and absolutely necessary and done with such heartfelt
urgency… I
feel very blessed to live with Jump-Start literally in my backyard.
- Sandra Cisneros, author of Caramelo and The House on Mango Street
Founded in 1985, Jump-Start Performance
Co. has a history of continuous and dynamic artistic growth.
The Company’s work, which has
been nationaly recognized, is firmly and proudly rooted in San
Antonio. Jump-Start’s success can be traced to its ongoing
mission:
Jump-Start Performance Co. is dedicated to the discovery and support
of new ideas in the arts and arts education. By encouraging visionary
thought and non-traditional approaches, Jump-Start is committed
to the creation of art that is a lasting voice of diverse cultures
and communities.
Since its formation, Jump-Start has created,
presented or produced over 500 original performance works, and
reached an audience of nearly one million people. Jump-Start’s audience is extremely
diverse, and largely comprised of people of color and individuals
of modest economic means. The Company presents original work by
local artists, a guest artist series that brings in regional, national
and international artists, and community education. Jump-Start
has presented many world-renowned artists including Maya Angelou,
Sandra Cisneros, Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Naomi Shihab
Nye, and Sterling Houston. Jump-Start is widely recognized for
its artistic excellence, innovative programs and broad community
inclusion.
You have taught me so much - like how to be
creative, not to give up, and to do things I have never done before
or thought I could do.
Jocelyn, Student, Stewart Elementary School
Background
In San Antonio, 32.3% of children live in poverty (the highest
rate in the nation) and half of inner-city students do not graduate
from high school. Illiteracy, low self-esteem and a lack of motivation
persist as chronic problems. Numerous studies have shown that students
involved in integrated arts programming are more interested in
staying in school, achieve higher test scores, and find creative,
productive outlets to express their opinions and display their
talents. Youth involved in Jump-Start’s educational programs
reside in the inner city and are approximately 80% Latino, 15%
African American, and 5% White. These programs are often the only
opportunities youth have to experience and participate in the arts.
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