There are several ways to support high-quality, accessible, and equitable arts education in Indianapolis. See the opportunities below! We thank you for your dedicated support in making the arts a universal right.
Ways to Make a Big Impact
Your sponsorship ensures every student has the opportunity to experience the power of the arts as a universal right. These camps enrich lives, foster growth, and create lasting memories for students across the community. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the BCAS Director, Lauren Shelton, via email: lwshelton@butler.edu
At BCAS, we believe that art is more than just a hobby; it’s a transformative force that can change lives. With your support, we can continue to bring the magic of private music lessons, vibrant summer arts camps, and captivating group classes in music, art, and dance to our community.
Private Music Lessons: Imagine the joy of a budding musician as they master their first song, or an experienced artist perfecting their craft. Your donation helps us provide personalized music lessons that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Summer Arts Camps: Our summer camps are a haven for creativity, where young artists explore their talents, make lifelong friends, and discover the joys of artistic expression. Your contribution ensures that these unforgettable experiences remain accessible to all.
Group Classes: Our group classes are where creative minds come together to learn, grow, and collaborate. Your support allows us to offer a diverse range of classes in music, art, and dance, fostering a vibrant community of artists of all ages.
Your donation makes the difference. Every dollar you give goes directly into nurturing creativity, fostering self-expression, and making art an integral part of our community’s life. Your support is the key to making arts education accessible and creating a more vibrant, connected world.
Join us in enriching lives. Be a part of our mission to empower individuals through the arts. Your generosity helps us reach more aspiring artists, provide tuition assistance, and expand our programs.
Thank you for being the driving force behind our artistic community.
Other Ways to Support BCAS Programs
Our Teaching Artists are the backbone of BCAS. They are Butler students, alum, and Indy community members. Our teachers hop from class to rehearsal to the practice room, or from their 9-5 to Lilly Hall. They often work long hours with no meal breaks. BCAS highly values serving our teachers just as they serve our programs and students. By providing our teaching staff with nutritious snacks and meals, we are ensuring that they and their students are gaining the best possible arts education experience.
Visit our Amazon Wishlist to support this cause. Thank you for keeping our teachers fed and caffeinated!
Do you shop at Kroger? Log in to your Kroger rewards account and link your card to the Butler Community Arts School to support the mission of making arts education accessible for everyone. It’s that easy! Here are some instructions from Kroger.
Empowering Communities through the Arts: The Mission and Vision of the Butler Community Arts School
The Butler Community Arts School (BCAS) is a non-profit initiative associated with the Jordan College of the Arts at Butler University. BCAS is dedicated to providing arts education programming to members of the community. BCAS offers a range of group classes, private music lessons, and summer camps in various artistic disciplines, such as music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
One of BCAS’s notable aspects is its commitment to equitable access to the arts. This includes initiatives like the BCAS Tuition Assistance Fund, which aims to provide financial support to students to ensure that they have the opportunity to participate in supportive and inclusive arts education programs without financial barriers.
Inspiring Futures:
BCAS’s Enduring Impact on Student Journeys to Butler University
BCAS has left a profound impact on students, evident in their decisions to pursue further education at Butler University following inspiring experiences at BCAS summer camps. Around 200 students have participated in BCAS programs and later enrolled at Butler University. The success lies in BCAS’s ability to offer engaging programs that extend beyond academics, fostering holistic growth and sparking students’ interest. The positive environment created at BCAS, emphasizing community, support, and value in education, has not only influenced students’ academic journeys but has also contributed to a sense of belonging, leading them to choose Butler University for their pre-professional studies.
“BCAS was where I started finding my place in music, being around a lot of motivated musicians during summer camps. Butler was always a school I had looked forward to attending but BCAS was one of the final points of knowing that this was exactly where I wanted to be. I love teaching with BCAS because of the support they showed me before I was here.“
Sean Paree-Huff, Music Education Major From Fishers, Indiana
“Butler Ballet Summer Intensive was the best summer intensive I attended, filled with so much learning, growth, experiences, and opportunities. The program, teachers, classes, and people were the key to this successful program and being able to experience the reality of a Butler Ballet student during the year. Since my arrival on the first day of the summer intensive, I felt at home and in love with Butler, knowing I wanted to study here. I participated in the last two summer intensives and here I am, now a freshman student at Butler University pursuing a BFA in Dance Performance.“
Yarelys Gonzalez, Dance Performance Major From Caguas, Puerto Rico
BCAS’s Enduring Impact on Students in the Community
At BCAS, our dedication to providing accessible arts education extends to our current students, who are at the heart of our mission. Through our diverse range of programs, we strive to nurture their talents, foster their creativity, and empower them to reach their full potential. From group classes to private lessons, our students engage in immersive learning experiences that not only hone their artistic skills but also instill confidence, discipline, and a passion for the arts. Our commitment to equity and inclusion ensures that every student, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to explore and excel in their chosen artistic discipline. By investing in BCAS, you are directly supporting the growth and development of these talented individuals, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and encouragement they need to thrive in their artistic pursuits and beyond. Together, we can continue to inspire and uplift the next generation of artists, leaders, and changemakers in our community and beyond.
“Hugh absolutely loves his weekly ukulele lessons with Glenn at BCAS. He says each session just flies by! I am thrilled to see how much he enjoys learning a musical instrument in a low-stress, encouraging environment and am so thankful to have this remarkable resource right here in our neighborhood.”
Mother of Hugh Lathrop Current BCAS Ukulele Student
“As a father and busy professional, BCAS has allowed me to pursue a creative outlet with the piano as a non-traditional student. As in-person music programs across the country decline, it’s more important now than ever to support arts programs that engage all ages of the community they serve.”
Sam Zinkan Current BCAS Piano Student
Investing in Artistic Opportunity: BCAS Tuition Assistance Fund
The BCAS Tuition Assistance Fund plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all eligible students, especially those qualifying for free or reduced lunch, have access to an arts education. Your contribution directly impacts the lives of new and aspiring artists, offering them a chance to engage in transformative arts experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible.
By supporting the BCAS Tuition Assistance Fund, you become an instrumental force in shaping a future where the arts are not a privilege but a universal right. Your commitment uplifts the creation of an inclusive environment that nurtures the power of arts and creativity, regardless of a student’s economic circumstances.
Fostering the Next Generation of Teaching Artists
Supporting BCAS not only enriches the lives of students but also empowers Teaching Artists, who play a vital role in shaping the next generation of artists and leaders. Through your generous contributions, we are able to provide employment opportunities to students, community professionals, and alumni, allowing them to share their passion for the arts while gaining valuable teaching experience. Additionally, our annual training in arts education ensures that Teaching Artists are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality instruction, fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all participants. Your support enables us to invest in the professional development of Teaching Artists, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and contribute to the vibrant arts community we strive to cultivate.
“BCAS has allowed me to not only continue growing as a music educator and see my students become more aware and comfortable with their instruments, but it has provided me the opportunity to balance a full-time day job and continue performing professionally in the evenings and on the weekends. Through BCAS, I have been able to meet other musicians to collaborate with throughout Indianapolis.”
Alejandro Reyna BCAS Teaching Artist & JCA Alumni
“I love BCAS because they listen to the needs of the community and find ways to serve. From educating teachers to providing unique arts experiences for all ages, BCAS is a true Indianapolis treasure.”
