Our Youth Arts Education Program is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary initiative designed for children and teens during out-of-school hours. Named "Best Community Art Center" by Columbus Parent Magazine in consecutive years, the program includes an eight-week summer arts camp, and annual spring and winter arts academies.
Carefully tailored to the needs of students in first grade through eighth grade, and administered by local artists in partnership with our professional staff, our scientifically based arts education curriculum provides hands-on opportunities to explore dance, visual arts, theatre, music, and more.
The King Arts Complex offers professional quality performing arts opportunities for students studying dance, music, and theater. Students are encouraged to express themselves, emphasizing creativity and experimentation through age-appropriate projects, themes and skills. Performing opportunities include recitals, theater productions, and community performances.
Program support is provided by Cardinal Health Foundation, City Of Columbus, Encova, Franklin County Community Partnership, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and administered by the Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services, Honda Of America Foundation, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, The Thelma Clark Scholarship Fund, U.S. Bank, and United Way of Central Ohio.
General Youth Programming Information
- Youth Arts Academies coincide with Columbus City Schools spring, summer and winter breaks.
- Instruction by professional artists in dance, theater, music, visual art, and literature. Field trips and meals provided.
Tentative date for registration, payment, and times is Friday, March 1, 2024.
After School Program (Winter Session)
January 2024 TBD
Monday-Thursday | 4 PM - 6 PM
Ages 6-13 (Grades 1-8)
Free
Registration Form
It's time again! Serving 1st grade-8th grade for after school tutoring Monday-Thursday from 4 PM - 6 PM. We also provide enrichment in Technology and Arts for 4th grade - 8th grade. Sign your student up now!
The King Arts Complex After School Program is a FREE session that targets elementary and middle school students between the 1st and 8th grade (ages 6-13). This program, thanks to our community of public and private support, is provided at no cost to you. The After School Program will follow the schedule of Columbus City Schools’ calendar.
Participants will be engaged in four different arts and technology classes, including Creative Writing, Capoeira, Coding and Music. There will also be a homework/study hour with a tutor, and a light snack provided. The session will conclude with a project combining all the artistic disciplines.
Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
December 20, 23-24, 26-27, 30-31, 2024 | 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Ages 5 - 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Programming: $0 per student (Only 25 spots available)
*Please note there will not be before or after care.
Drop off begins at 8 AM and pick up ends at 3:30 PM.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. It is so important that all students are challenged to be original creators of work, and most importantly, that they have fun doing it! Here at the King Arts Complex we provide an inviting environment that pushes all students to perform to their greatest abilities. Youth participants will learn about the principles of Kwanzaa by working with local, visual, and performing artists. There will be something for everyone at the 2024 Winter Academy.
Registration for Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy is OPEN. Date for registration, payment, and times – Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Spring Academy - College Visits
Monday, April 1 - Friday, April 5, 2024 (M-F) | 9 AM - 4 PM
Grades 9-12
Programming: $125 per child
Registration Fee: $25
Registration is not complete without payment.
Payments can be made in person at the King Arts Complex through either Hellen Corder or Alice Lyles.
Spring Academy is a 5-day program to promote higher education in the art fields. Students will tour Central State University*, Wilberforce University, Columbus College of Art & Design, Columbus State Community College, Cleveland State University, The Ohio State University, and Kentucky State University to and learn more about art majors and career opportunities for artists. This program is open to all high school students interested in pursuing a degree in an art field. The student must be accompanied to each visit by an adult. Registration is limited.
The program includes:
- Transportation
- Waived Application Fees*
- Admission Presentations
- Guided and Personal Tours
- FAFSA Workshop
- Lunch
Scholarships
If this program is out of your price range, a scholarship opportunity may be available.
Please contact Briana Robinson, Education Arts Administrator, at brobinson@kingartscomplex.com with any questions.
Summer Camp
June 10 - August 2, 2024 (M-F) | 9 AM - 4 PM
Ages 5 - 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Programming: $125 each week per student
Registration Fee: $25 per student
*Child must be 5 years old by Friday, May 31st to enroll.
Registration and Payments can be completed at the King Arts Complex. Please contact Briana Robinson, Education Arts Administrator/Camp Director, at brobinson@kingartscomplex.com or (614) 645-0627 with any questions or concerns.
Summer Arts Camp is an 8-week, all day program. Summer Academy runs throughout the Columbus City Schools summer recess.
The camp will run on a STEAM module (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and will include:
• Dance
• Music
• Coding
• Visual Arts
• Creative Writing
• Photography
Scholarships
If this program is out of your price range, a scholarship opportunity may be available.
Please contact Briana Robinson, Education Arts Administrator/Camp Director, at brobinson@kingartscomplex.com with any questions.
Registration begins – Friday, March 1, 2024. Payment must be received prior completing the registration form.
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