Lensic Performing Arts Center
Performing Arts Education
On October 13, 2022, the Lensic hosted 1,177 Kindergarten and 1st grade students from Santa Fe Public Schools for free matinee performances of “Sugar Skulls: A Dia de Los Muertos Musical Adventure”. Featuring regional dances of Mexico, colorful costumes and traditional music, Sugar Skull explored the rich traditional of Dia de Los Muertos to deepen students’ understanding of Mexican and Latin American culture. It was a first experience of live, professional theater for the majority of students in attendance.
One teacher whose class participated said:
“Children don't have opportunities like this…You are opening doors for them to experience culture in a positive way. Excellent way for children to value their culture and be aware of cultures of different people.”
Free matinees are only one of many Lensic arts education programs Beyond the thrill of live performance, these programs support academic curriculum, encourage creativity, keep students engaged and in school, and even introduce potential careers. These programs impact more than 18,000 students annually, helping kids throughout the state learn, grow, and broaden their horizons.
photo by Brandon Soder
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited local nonprofits to submit stories related to our September topic of Education.
New Mexico Kids Matter
New Mexico Kids Matter advocates for children who have been abused or neglected by empowering community volunteers to speak up for them in the foster care system with the goal of having every child grow up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home.
IndigenousWays
IndigenousWays is a Native led Indigenous Arts Non-Profit founded in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2007. IndigenousWays highlights Indigenous artists of all media as well as 2SLGBTQIA+ and differently abled performers.
Nizhóní Smiles
Nizhóní (Beautiful) Smiles Dental Program is the only non-profit dental program located on the Navajo Nation in the rural community of Shiprock, New Mexico. The program opened its doors in 1994 offering orthodontic(braces) services and later expanded to include general dentistry. The program has provided services to numerous patients, the majority of those being residents of the Navajo Nation.
