RAAC Programs
2020 Summer Programs Postponed
The Rockford Area Arts Council has made the decision to postpone our summer arts programs until 2021. The wonderful work done by our teaching artists and our youth will be truly missed this summer, however, we must provide for the safety of all involved. It is with both caution and care that we must announce that we will not host ArtsPlace, ArtsPlace II, and RAAC Camp this year.
We are following the orders and guidelines of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, in addition to the most up-to-date information from the Winnebago County Health Department. Your family’s health and safety are our priority. The Arts Council will continue to plan how to move forward as we are apprised of new information regarding the COVID-19 crisis.
During this uncertain time, the Rockford Area Arts Council wants you to be encouraged—We are stronger together and we look forward to an exciting summer of the arts in 2021. Please follow us on Facebook and our Website for the latest news, art resources, and engagement opportunities.
Education Programs
The Rockford Area Arts Council has a strong commitment to providing opportunities for children who integrate the arts into their education. Through classroom workshops and residencies, In-Service training for teachers, and grants to schools, the Arts Council strives to encourage the imagination, curiosity, and creative thinking of students and teachers.
Imagine how exhilarating learning about the human circulatory system can be when taught through dance!
Discover the joy of learning fractions through lessons about musical notes, beat, and rhythm!
Experience a history lesson through drama!
Understand world cultures through songs, stories, and dance!
The Rockford Area Arts Council offers the services of experienced, inspiring artists and high-quality arts programs that enhance and energize the school curriculum and the lives of our young people.
Arts Education Programs Offered by the Rockford Area Arts Council:
ArtsPlace, a summer program at which pays teen-agers to apprentice to professional teaching artists
Ellis Arts Academy, a program of after school programs in the arts
RAAC Camp, a multi-disciplinary summer camp at Ellis School
Project Full House, a discount ticket program for students in low-income families (and their chaperones) to attend area performances for $1
For information about any of these programs, call the Rockford Area Arts Council at 815-963-6765.
ArtsPlace
In 1995 the Rockford Area Arts Council created ArtsPlace, an artist apprenticeship program for students ages 14-18. The “artist apprentices” work in teams under the guidance of professional teaching artists. The teams work in a variety of media which vary year to year. ArtsPlace runs from mid-June through the beginning of August with a culminating performance and sale of artwork. Applications are available in March.
ArtsPlace is supported through grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, City of Rockford, National Endowment for the Arts, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Rockford School District #205, and individual donations.
ArtsPlace 2019
June 17-August 8, 2019
Monday-Thursday
1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Downtown Rockford
ArtsPlace II
ArtsPlace II is a new program of the Rockford Area Arts Council for Middle School Age youth. ArtsPlace II youth will work with professional artists to increase their artistic skills, provide an opportunity for self-expression, and interact with other like-minded youth. Dance and Theater groups will work in the studios of the Rockford Dance Company and Visual Arts and Creative Writing groups will work in the Rockford Art Museum studios. ArtsPlace II is a four-week program culminating with an exhibit and performance created by the youth with guidance from professional artists. Applications are available in March.
ArtsPlace II is supported through grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, City of Rockford, National Endowment for the Arts, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Rockford School District #205, ComEd, and individual donations.
Please contact the Rockford Area Arts Council for more information on ArtsPlace, ArtsPlace II, and sponsorship opportunities.
ArtsPlace II 2019
July 8-August 1, 2019
Monday-Thursday
10:00 am-Noon
Riverfront Museum (Rockford Dance Company & Rockford Art Museum Studios)
RAAC Camp
The Rockford Area Arts Council offers RAAC Camp, a two-week Arts camp for young creatives, ages 5-13 who love to sing, draw, dance, rap and make movies culminating with a performance and art exhibit for family and friends. RAAC Camp is supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, City of Rockford, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Rockford School District #205, National Endowment for the Arts, and JoAnn Shaheen.
RAAC Camp 2019
July 8-19, 2019
Monday-Friday
1:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Ellis School, 220 S. Central Ave, Rockford, IL
Project Full House
Through the generous support of participating organizations, tickets for great performances are available for just $1! The Project Full House program provides students of all ages with affordable access to local performances and assists arts organizations in achieving a “full house” with students occupying unsold seats.
It’s simple….
- Call 815-963-6765 for ticket availability.
- Tickets are available two business days before the day of the performance and are on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Tickets are only available at the RAAC office, 713 E. State Street during regular business hours.
- The number of tickets available to an individual patron may be limited.
- Must provide students’ names, schools, grades, and email.