The Sandy Springs Arts Foundation announced its third annual visual and performing arts showcase, ARTBEAT, raised $100,000 in early February for programming at the city’s public schools.
More than 520 students from Ridgeview Middle, Riverwood High, Sandy Springs Middle, and North Springs High schools displayed their talent Feb. 7 in front of a crowd of 800. The afternoon featured more than 100 pieces of 2D and 3D art displayed in the Byers Theatre lobby, alongside live dance, chorus, band, orchestra, and rock ‘n’ roll performances.
“We were more hyped than last year!” one student said. “This is awesome…I’ll never forget it.”
The funds help public school students and teachers access instruments, paint, consumables, software, lighting, and other art-related items. The nonprofit says some of the money allows teachers to provide art appreciation experiences, including field trips.
“Our ARTBEAT event was a fabulous opportunity for our Sandy Springs-located students to showcase their talent and passion for the arts,” board member Jan Collins said. “Having the opportunity to perform on the grand stage of the Byers Theatre and display their art in the Byers lobby was a thrill for students and audiences alike!”
Investing in the arts
After reporting another successful showcase, the Sandy Springs Arts Foundation is already planning for next year. Since ARTBEAT’s inception, the nonprofit has donated $225,000 to the city’s public middle and high schools.
Created in 2018, the SSAF says its mission is to enhance artistic experiences in public schools and support other city-based arts nonprofits.
The nonprofit’s leadership says it invests in the city’s public schools because they are “the heartbeats of our neighborhoods, where our kids learn to live in community with one another.”
Half of the public schools in Sandy Springs are Title 1, meaning around 40 percent of the school population comes from households below the poverty line.
Because research shows that participation in the arts has a positive effect on academic performance, the nonprofit says it funds programming to help students foster creativity and express themselves.
Public school teachers from across the city shared their appreciation for the nonprofit’s annual showcase and support of school programs.
“Seeing the work every day, I sometimes forget how impactful it can be when seen out in the community,” a Riverwood teacher said. “Our students were so proud to have their work on display in such a beautiful space, and we received so much positive feedback from attendees.”
Other teachers thanked the nonprofit for contributing to specific programs, like music classes at Ridgeview Middle School, and bringing together young artists in different fields from around the city.
“The Sandy Springs Arts Foundation is needed and appreciated,” a North Springs teacher said. “Saturday was so great, and I look forward to another one next year.”