Cultural Alternatives Division
The Music and Arts Center for Humanity (MACH)

The Cultural Alternatives Division of the Music and Arts Center for Humanity (MACH) is not trying to reinvent the wheel. Rather, the program relies on proven models and develops strategic partnerships with some of the country's top arts and education institutions to create initiatives targeting Bridgeport's most disadvantaged young people. Through preschool, in-school, after-school, and summer programs, Cultural Alternatives delivers training in the performing, visual, design, and media arts to students ages 3‚19. All of these programs are designed to nurture the next generation of artists and to enhance the participants' overall development.

Launched in 1999, Cultural Alternatives places quality assurance as its top priority when developing projects. A broad array of initiatives weaves the arts into the fabric of the community and serves a public school population largely comprised of ethnically diverse students. MACH is the Connecticut affiliate for the Wolf Trap Early Learning Institute Through the Arts, which offers 3- to 5-year-olds primary academic and life skills through the performing arts.

Middle school students can take dance training, creative communications, and personal development classes at AileyCamp, formed in partnership with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Foundation. Youth ages 14‚19 receive intensive training in the visual and performing arts, as well as in design and media, at the Bridgeport Neighborhood Studios program, modeled on the renowned Manchester Craftsmen Guild's Studio 37 project. Cultural Alternatives offers programs for youth in crises, as well. ArtWorks incorporates arts education into case management for juvenile offenders and abuse victims. Students also gain job readiness, teambuilding, and communication skills and earn a training wage while participating in the program. Additionally, Art Therapies, a segment of ArtWorks, addresses the needs of severely emotionally disturbed children and their families, resulting in improved academic outcomes and a reduction in inappropriate behavior.

Other activities include the MACH/Music School, the Therapeutic After-School Program, the Music Zone, Total Literacy, and the Lighthouse Music and Arts Program. By partnering with numerous community and national institutions, MACH provides high-quality arts education in varied disciplines to 2,000 young people annually. The arts are a key to unlocking a child's potential. MACH follows established best practices in arts education and combines discipline training with personal development strategies. These ambitious efforts help to ensure that the young people of Bridgeport succeed in the arts and in life.