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Artsbridge Foundation brings K–12 students to Cobb Energy Center; Schuler Awards set for April 16
Summary
In an interview on "Inside the District," Artsbridge Executive Director Thomas Folks described year-round K–12 programs that bring students to performances at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, pay transportation costs for schools, and run the statewide Schuler Awards, which will be held April 16 and broadcast on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Thomas Folks, executive director of the Artsbridge Foundation, told Commissioner Eric Allen on the podcast "Inside the District" that Artsbridge began as the education wing of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center and is now an independent nonprofit partnering with the center to bring K–12 students to professional performances.
"We are now an independent nonprofit partnering with the Cobb Energy Center," Folks said. "What we do is throughout the year we bring local nonprofit arts organizations into the building to provide educational performances ... and then we work with the schools and the school systems to bring in kids anywhere from K to 12 to see those shows multiple times throughout the year." He added that the program aims to use the arts "as a bridge to teach kids to be well-rounded and to give them some life skills."
Folks described a common barrier—transportation—and said Artsbridge covers it. "We pay for the buses, we pay for the drivers," he said, so schools are not restricted from coming. That subsidy is intended to reduce cost barriers for districts and ensure broader student access to performances.
Folks outlined two main programs. The field-trip program partners with organizations such as the Atlanta Symphony, Synchronicity Theatre, Theatrical Outfit and the Atlanta Ballet to provide educational performances for different grade levels. The other is the Schuler Awards (Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards), a statewide program in its 18th year that works with more than 60 high schools. "We train a set of adjudicators ... give them feedback in 18 different categories of production," Folks said, describing how adjudication yields constructive feedback and helps schools advocate for improved arts resources.
He said the Schuler Awards is a weeklong intensive for nominees and culminates in an awards show featuring a "purple carpet," partner support from Kia and media collaborations with Georgia State and Kennesaw State. The event is broadcast live on Georgia Public Broadcasting; Folks announced the awards show will be held April 16 at 8:00 p.m., with tickets on sale March 31.
On funding, Folks said Artsbridge receives in-kind support from the Cobb Energy Center (discounted fees and free rent) and that most operating revenues come from foundation and individual giving, supplemented by corporate sponsors. He invited supporters to give via the foundation website and to offer in-kind donations such as food and supplies for student participants.
Folks thanked local schools—specifically citing a strong partnership with Cobb County Schools—for enabling Artsbridge to serve thousands of students in the area. "That is why we do what we do: to serve those kids," he said.
The interview closed with Allen thanking Folks and directing listeners to upcoming Artsbridge performances and broadcasts.
