Academy of The Arts

Joan Kroc believed that the arts are a key component to a better life. Exposure to the arts, whether the visual arts, dance, music or theater, is an essential part of a child’s education. The link between the arts and cognitive abilities is well established. Arts education teaches students a type of knowledge, creativity and capability that goes beyond just “knowing the answer.”

Students see palpable results, gain self-confidence, create, work out problems, explore the world around them and learn to perform in front of others. The arts teach children and adults alike that learning is a never-ending process. The Salvation Army is the largest instructor of music in the world, with 25,000 trained musicians and instructors worldwide. In fact, The Army is already providing choral and instrumental music instruction in the schools surrounding the Kroc Center.

The Kroc Center will be a place where children who never thought they’d ever learn to play an instrument, read a note of music, act in a play, sculpt or paint a mural will have an opportunity to excel at their choice of arts disciplines. And in the Kroc Center’s state-of-the-art performance and exhibition spaces, they will be able to showcase their artwork, perform a jazz concert, dance before an audience or stage a theatrical production. These performances and other touring events will broaden and enrich the cultural experiences of residents throughout the South Side.

Arts Education Offerings

• 600-seat auditorium for the performing arts and worship center
• Outdoor amphitheater
• Media center with recording studio and video production
• Instrumental instruction
• Vocal training
• Dance instruction
• Instruction in the dramatic arts
• Visual and graphic arts instruction
• Photography and video instruction
• Pottery and sculpting classes
• Outdoor Amphitheater