Armory Center for the Arts

With roots going back to 1947, Pasadena's Armory Center for the Arts is a pioneer in the field of visual arts education. We are deeply committed to public access, education, and outreach and envision joyful, healthy, and equitable communities shaped by imagination, creativity, and diverse voices. Three themes that have been constant throughout the Armory's history are the exhibition of professional artists, the role of "artists as educators," and our institutional leadership in responding to the artistic needs of overlooked and underserved community members.

Part of what makes the Armory a unique resource in Southern California is our hybrid model as both a learning and exhibiting institution. The Armory is neither squarely a museum nor an art school but a hybrid of both. Each informs and complements the other: contemporary art exhibitions become the focal point for our arts education and highlight the work of living artists, inspiring students to make art in our studio. Conversely, our arts education methodology informs how learning happens in our exhibitions, which are always open at no cost to the public.

Core programs include:

• Year-round free art classes and experiences to historically underserved children, teens, older adults, families, and system-impacted youth.

• Cross-curricular instruction to students in Title I classrooms in Pasadena that merge visual arts with core curriculum, including math and environmental sciences.

• Tuition-based arts classes for children, teens, and adults, designed and taught by Armory Teaching Artists at our main facility. A needs-based financial assistance fund removes obstacles to ensure access for all young people regardless of socio-economic status. Our goal in the next three years is that this fund will fully subsidize tuition and supplies for half of the youth enrolled in the program.

• Rigorously researched and professionally presented exhibitions, screenings, performances, publications, lectures, and panels. Admission is always free.