Business Details
21 Years
experience
Live Performing Arts & Educational Outreach in Aiken, SC
Founded in 2005, Aiken Performing Arts (APA) has become a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Aiken, delivering world-class live entertainment across diverse genres including classical, jazz, rock, and Broadway. Our dual mission focuses on presenting professional artists in theater settings and providing educational outreach programs for Aiken County students. Through initiatives like Instruments in Your Attic, we collect and refurbish unused instruments to support school music programs, addressing critical funding gaps. Our outreach has impacted over 11,000 students, offering immersive experiences with touring artists.As a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on ticket sales, donations, and community partnerships to sustain our programs. Our efforts have enhanced Aikens cultural and economic vitality, positioning it as a hub for arts and business. We collaborate closely with local schools to organize on-campus performances, fostering educational and creative growth. Our board of directors and dedicated staff ensure transparency and accountability in all operations, prioritizing community engagement and long-term sustainability.
Services
Live Music Shows
Educational Outreach Programs
Instrument Donations
Community Engagement Events
School Performance Tours
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have over 19 years of experience in arts education and performance curation.
- Our outreach programs have impacted 11,000+ students since 2005.
- We operate a unique instrument donation program addressing school funding gaps.
- We collaborate with nationally acclaimed artists for educational and performance events.
- Our volunteer-driven model ensures community-focused, cost-effective programming.
Services
Live Music Shows
Aiken Performing Arts presents a curated season of live music performances spanning classical, jazz, rock, and Broadway genres. These events feature nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, offering audiences immersive cultural experiences. The shows are designed to engage diverse audiences while elevating Aikens arts scene.
Educational Outreach Programs
Our outreach initiatives connect students with professional artists through on-campus performances and interactive workshops. Programs like Instruments in Your Attic provide schools with refurbished musical instruments, addressing funding gaps and fostering arts education for over 11,000 Aiken County students since 2005.
Instrument Donations
The Instruments in Your Attic program collects unused musical instruments from the community, refurbishes them, and donates them to Aiken County schools. This initiative supports music education by supplying essential tools to students and schools lacking resources.
Community Engagement Events
We organize events that bridge cultural and educational gaps, such as artist Q&A sessions and collaborative school performances. These activities promote community involvement and ensure accessibility to the arts for all residents.
School Performance Tours
Touring artists visit local schools to perform and interact with students, offering hands-on learning experiences. These tours emphasize accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring students in underserved areas benefit from direct engagement with professional performers.
People
Dr. Mark Hollingsworth
President
Dr. Mark Hollingsworth leads APAs strategic vision, leveraging his expertise in arts administration to strengthen community partnerships and expand educational programs.
Tony Ateca
Executive Vice President
Tony Ateca oversees operational strategy, ensuring APAs programs align with its mission to deliver high-quality arts and education initiatives.
Cathy Traver
Executive Director
Cathy Traver manages day-to-day operations, focusing on program execution and community engagement to sustain APAs impact in Aiken County.
Becca Hartsell
Arts Administrator
Becca Hartsell coordinates arts programs, bridging the gap between performers and schools to ensure seamless delivery of educational outreach initiatives.
Mark Hollingsworth
Program Coordinator
Mark Hollingsworth manages the Instruments in Your Attic program, facilitating instrument donations and repairs to support school music needs.
Questions
How can I purchase tickets for Aiken Performing Arts events?
Tickets are available through the Amentum Theater Box Office (803-648-1438) or online at www.aikenarts.com. We do not partner with third-party sellers.
What educational programs does Aiken Performing Arts offer?
We provide school outreach programs where artists perform and engage with students, plus the Instruments in Your Attic initiative to donate refurbished instruments to schools.
How can I donate a musical instrument to your program?
Instruments can be dropped off at any Security Federal Bank branch in Aiken County for the Instruments in Your Attic program.
Is Aiken Performing Arts a nonprofit organization?
Yes, we are a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting arts education and cultural enrichment in Aiken County.
What types of performances are included in your season?
Our season features diverse genres including classical, jazz, rock, Broadway, dance, and comedy from nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
Videos
