East Bay Center for the Performing Arts
339 11th StreetRichmondCA94801
510-234-5624510-234-8206

Program: East Bay Center for the Performing Arts Year Started: 1969 Focus: Multidisciplinary Arts Youth Served: 1,600 Ages: 1-18 Budget: $974,000 To promote intercultural awareness and social reconciliation, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts developed an educational model that integrates art and culture into the community. Participants explore three interrelated components: repertoire and technique; comparative studies across cultures and disciplines; participation in community life through which community issues are explored through the arts. Youth from low-income, culturally diverse communities participate in traditional West African, Mexican and Southeast Asian music and dance; vocal and instrumental jazz; contemporary ballet; theater; film and video. Sessions run for 10 weeks, each on a year-round basis. Youth participate at the main site in Richmond and at 15 other sites throughout the East Bay. One specific project, the Juvenile Justice Diversion Project, is run in partnership with Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall. Selected students exchange time in detention for training in the performing arts. Students take a rigorous schedule of classes, participate in counseling by trained professionals and are given the chance for positive community recognition at a final performance/ exhibition event.