Education & Outreach

Arts for Everyone is ECA's $2 ticket program for low-income school groups, families and older adults. With the objective to increase access to the performing arts for young people, the program was established in 2014.

School Groups & Homeschool Families

Over 2,500 students attend Education Matinees each year through the Arts for Everyone program. Eligibility for these reduced-price tickets is based on a school's overall percentage of students on Free and Reduced-Price Meal programs, or other demonstrated financial need.

To participate, teachers are invited to apply on a by-performance basis. Priority will be given to schools with 30% or higher of students on Free and Reduced-Price Meal programs and homeschool families demonstrating need. Allocation of Arts for Everyone tickets is at ECA's discretion based on level of need, the order in which groups apply, and past awards in the given school year. Teachers will be notified of whether they have received Arts for Everyone tickets two months in advance of each performance.

Families & Older Adults (62+)

ECA offers Arts for Everyone tickets to low-income families and older adults attending Saturday Matinee performances. These patrons:

• Are invited to attend any (and all!) Saturday Matinees in the 2020-21 season at $2 per ticket.
• Simply notify the ECA Box Office that they qualify for Arts for Everyone, either in person or over the phone. (No proof of eligibility required.)
• There are no restrictions on what constitutes a "family" - bring those special people you want to share a live performance with!

For more information about Arts for Everyone, contact Katie Newbaum, Education & Outreach Coordinator, at katie@ec4arts.org. Arts for Everyone is made possible with generous support from the Hazel Miller Foundation and Nancy Bittner.

One of the challenges many schools face in attending an Education Matinee is transportation costs. Thanks to our generous funder, the Elizabeth Ruth Wallace Living Trust, aka "Aunt Bette", ECA is now able to help schools face that challenge.

ECA will provide transportation funding during the 2020-21 academic year on a first-come, first-served basis for schools demonstrating need. Approved applicants will be provided a transportation subsidy of up to $250, subject to availability. Teachers will be notified of their award amount two months prior to the performance, and reimbursed after attendance based on final receipts. Each school is responsible for submitting the necessary paperwork for reimbursement.

For more information about Aunt Bette’s Bus Fund, contact Katie Newbaum, Education & Outreach Coordinator, at katie@ec4arts.org.