Introduction

The Urban Arts Center (UAC) is a community-based performance program that specializes in “turning quality time into an art.” Music, dance, theatre, education, child and family development are brought together into a whole new type of musical and dance extravaganza that fans young and old alike have dubbed “an amazing spectacle!

UAC activities involve adults and children in a mutual mentoring experience. Participants range in age from six to sixty-five! There is instruction in the technique, culture, and history of art forms including Dance, Steel Drum (Pan), and African Drumming. These components are coupled with an exciting Creative Writing, Personal Development program taught by some of the brightest and most talented instructors found in the Hampton Roads Region.

The Urban Arts Center began in 1994. Since then it has directly involved more than 500 families (700 youth), and touched the lives of more than 13,000 Hampton Roads citizens through performances and workshops.

UAC programming has garnered applause and awards from all over the country, including local and regional official, the White House, and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.