One of the most significant and vital parts of ACANSA’s mission is the presentation of more compelling art that encourages public dialogue, economic innovation, exposes people to a wider array of artistic experiences, and makes our community a stronger and more vibrant place to live. We strive to achieve this mission across the entire spectrum of our community, and cannot rightfully say we are doing so unless all have an equal ability to access the artistic experience provided by the ACANSA Arts Festival.

Though we remain one of the most affordable ways to experience great artistic performances in Central Arkansas, with an average ticket price of $31.67 for 2017 ACANSA Festival events, discounts for student and military audience members, and several completely free Festival events, we recognize that any ticket price can be a barrier to some members of our community. With that in mind, ACANSA is pleased to announce the “Curtain Up” initiative, a program aimed at making sure all who wish to experience great art get to do so at the ACANSA Arts Festival.

This year, for the first time in our organization’s history, all audience members 17 and under will be admitted to ACANSA ticketed events free of charge if accompanied by a ticket-buying adult. Additionally, we will be doing outreach through a variety of community partners to offer free tickets to various sections of the Central Arkansas community, including elderly, disabled, and low-income residents.

Last year, over 2,700 people took part in the ACANSA Arts Festival by attending a performance, art show, or educational program. We’d like to see that number double this year, and through our “Curtain Up” Initiative, our plan is to give away 250 free tickets to ACANSA ticketed events for 2017.

We hope you’ll join us in this endeavor. At an average price of $31.67 per ticket in 2017, your donation of $250 will help 2 families attend an ACANSA performance. Your donation of $500 will allow a class of high school dance students to experience Complexions Contemporary Ballet or CORE Dance Troupe. Your donation of $1,000 will allow over 30 members of our community a chance to experience ACANSA this September.

To partner with us in the “Curtain Up” initiative, contact Dillon Hupp at dhupp@acansa.org or 501-663-2287. Great art is about a shared experience. New and innovative art can bring together people of different backgrounds in a way that nothing else can. We want to be able to share the experience that ACANSA offers with every member of our wonderful community. Help us achieve that. Let’s raise the curtain for everyone and experience something amazing together.