Spotlight616 believes in giving back to the community!  Whenever possible, we like to partner with charitable and non-profits organizations for our events. By supporting local causes, we hope to help raise awareness and much needed funding for important projects right here in West Michigan.

This year, we have chosen to work with Artists Creating Together. 10% of each Style Battle 2012 ticket sale will go to support this incredible organization whose outreach programs are making a substantial difference in our community.

Artists Creating Together (ACT) brings students with disabilities together with artists and art projects.  Art breaks down many of the emotional and psychological barriers that hold students back by building self-confidence and personal satisfaction.  ACT’s mission is to empower people with disabilities from West and Northern Michigan with interactive experiences, both artistic and cultural, while providing opportunities for personal growth and learning.

Why serve children with disabilities through art?

There are over 16,000 children with disabilities in Kent County.  Children with disabilities have more than a sixty percent chance of leaving school without a diploma.  Research has shown that art accomplishments advance learning skills, improve classroom behavior and show students that they are more self-sufficient and capable than they thought.  In fact, learning the arts is one of the six most important factors in healthy brain growth.

Who do we serve?

Last year, ACT helped over 4,500 individuals celebrate, success and grow with art.  Participants are aged three to adult, with over 70% between the ages of 7-25.

Where does ACT work?

Classrooms:  2,000 students in special education programs from through Kent, Ottawa and Grand Traverse Counties learn through hands-on, curriculum based ACT art classes.

Community:  Programs ranging from classes in the visual arts, theatre and dance to the Very Special Choir serve over 250 adults with disabilities.

Outreach:  ACT collaborates to provide art classes and opportunities in local hospitals, libraries and other community venues.

Top Three Programs

Artist Residencies  ACT works with local professional artists of the highest caliber to teach art classes to students in special education classrooms from throughout West and Northern Michigan.  These classes are customized to meet the unique needs of our students, incorporating goals identified by the classroom teacher as well as State of Michigan benchmarks and standards for arts education.

Graduated Art Classes  These popular art classes offer adults with disabilities opportunities to learn and to enjoy the arts in a fun, social community setting.  Classes are offered regularly throughout the calendar year at ACT’s offices in downtown Grand Rapids.

Visual Voice Project  ACT brings art classes to patients in long-term and rehabilitative health care settings to encourage creativity and emotional healing.

For more information, please visit: www.artistscreatingtogether.org or connect with Artists Creating Together on Facebook.