Prayers for Our City: November 13, 2017 – The Arts
“We believe that arts and entertainment are a means of celebrating our Creator and His creation. We believe that arts and entertainment can provide rest and enjoyment, in addition to being an expression of the culture, and should be consistent with biblical worldview; therefore, we are committed to developing such expressions and fostering space for godly artists and entertainers to cultivate their gifts.” 2017 Reformation Manifesto
We praise You and thank You, Father, for giving us the arts as a means of celebrating You and Your amazing creation. As we cover the Arts and Entertainment Mountain of Huntsville/Madison County we thank You, Father, for the arts organizations that work diligently to bring the arts to under-served schools where kids might not have access to arts otherwise. We pray all involved will be filled with the joy of giving and receiving! Bless and support these groups: (info from Arts Huntsville website, this is not a complete list)
Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre (AYBT) holds lectures and demonstrations on the art of dance. The lessons are tailored to what the school or organization needs and can coincide with the school’s curriculum. Through teaching dance, students can also learn about history, costuming, storytelling methods, orchestral music, choreography, and so much more. AYBT also books mini-performances upon request. For more information, call their office at 256-881-5930.
Huntsville Community Drumline is North Alabama’s music center for percussion lessons in every level in grades 3-5. In addition to lessons offered at the center, Huntsville Community Drumline visits neighboring schools (like Sonnie Hereford Elementary and Montview Elementary) that don’t have access to music classes. The program is 8 weeks long and the students practice about 1-2 hours after school on weekdays.
This program enriches the lives of students who might not have the opportunity to participate in the arts. They might not have access to music for various reasons, whether it be because of expense or a lack of resources. The main goal is to help children build a bright future and become productive members of society. Not only is the Drumline an activity that instills a sense of teamwork, motivation, and leadership to the students who participate, but it also offers students performance opportunities that could lead to college scholarships. For more information, please contact their office at 256-430-5566.
Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre has numerous programs to get students involved in theatre. Their “Adopt a School” program creates a custom designed 12-week drama program for a school’s theatre class. The program helps school create a musical or play along with supporting in sound and costumes. For more information visit their website.
The Playhouse also actively solicits grants, private, and foundation funding so theatre arts education opportunities are offered to students. Did I mention the program is free of charge? The Playhouse is currently partnering with Ridgecrest Elementary, Lynn Fanning Elementary, Second Mile Development Preschool, and they hope to partner with other schools soon.
Huntsville Ballet Company’s “Discover Dance” program provides lessons and workshops to students and teachers in local public schools. Through the program, students gain kinesthetic learning skills and the importance of arts integration. Huntsville Ballet Company even offers annual scholarships to students who show a passionate interest in dance and want to continue their dance education. Huntsville Ballet Company hopes to continue spreading interest in dance and providing opportunities for dance education to under-served schools in our community. If you’d like more information on Huntsville Ballet Company’s Education and Outreach programs, please contact Cathy Curry at 256-539-0961.
Father, we also want to cover in advance this year’s Panoply Arts Festival as applications are being accepted now to fill the performing slots on each stage and the featured artists at the Arts Marketplace. Lord, we are asking that there be a very strong sense of Your Presence again at this year’s festival. Use us, Lord, to encourage our Christian friends who are artists, musicians and dancers to apply. We thank You for the natural abilities You’ve placed in our local artists, and we declare these gifts will be use more and more for Your Kingdom purposes.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Col. 3:17
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