Arts+ Expands Early Childhood Arts Through Community Partnerships

At Arts+, we believe meaningful arts experiences can begin at any age. Through ongoing partnerships with schools and community organizations throughout Charlotte, our early childhood programs continue to engage our youngest learners in creative, developmentally rich ways. This year, we’ve deepened and expanded our reach through collaborations with sites including Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, The Learning Collaborative, Thompson Child Development Center, and additional preschool partners.

Our early childhood programs are designed to be both accessible and high-quality, offering more than just exposure to the arts. Through music-making, movement, and visual art, students strengthen motor skills, build language, explore self-expression, and begin to recognize patterns and connections, all within a supportive and playful environment.

In music-centered programs at sites such as Highland Creek Elementary, Grove Park Elementary, Charlotte Preparatory School, and The Goddard School of Matthews, students are introduced to foundational musical concepts through exploration and play. Lessons are structured around short, engaging activities that incorporate singing, movement, and hands-on interaction with instruments like shakers, drums, scarves, and bells. These experiences help students develop a sense of rhythm, contrast, and sound while keeping curiosity and enjoyment at the forefront.

At partner sites offering both music and visual art—including Growing Years Discovery, YMCA McCrorey, and Charlotte Bilingual Preschool—students have the opportunity to engage across disciplines. In visual art sessions, the focus is on encouraging choice-making and personal interpretation. Students respond to stories or prompts, experiment with materials and techniques, and create artwork that reflects their own ideas and perspectives.

One activity that stood out this year, “I Am…” mirrors, centered on identity and self-confidence. After reading I Like Myself / Me Gusta Como Soy by Karen Beaumont, students created mixed-media mirror projects that celebrated who they are. Using cardboard bases, reflective surfaces, and a variety of collage materials, students designed borders filled with words that describe them—such as “kind,” “brave,” and “smart.” Along the way, they practiced using new materials and built on skills developed throughout the program, while also taking pride in expressing their individuality.

We are grateful for the continued support of Lift Up Carolinas and PNC, whose commitment helps make these programs possible and ensures that young learners across our community have access to meaningful arts education.