Cathedral Arts Programs celebrate 20 years helping Duval County students

Nonprofit uses a campaign called "lobby for the arts" to celebrate

The Cathedral Arts Project (CAP) in Duval County has been offering arts education to thousands of young students for 20 years. The students otherwise wouldn't have had access to the arts.

"Participation in the arts is a catalyst for extraordinary changes in the lives of children, setting them up to succeed in school and life" said Jeff Smith with Cathedral Arts.

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The proof of such success is in the programs statistics.

In 2010 and 2011, 93% of CAP's Students received A's, B's, or C's in reading and 92% earned A's, B's or C's in math. Teachers have noticed improved behavior from participants.

"CAP students also have outperformed peers on standardized tests." said Smith.

CAP's mission is to enrich the quality life of students by providing access to instruction in the visual arts and performing arts, through an after school program.

Cathedral Arts was launched in 1993 by a small group of individuals from St. Johns Episcopal Cathedral who had a heart for both children and the arts.

Activities include dance, music, drams, painting, drawing, sculpting and ceramics.

"We are celebrating 20 years of success in this community through a program everyone can appreciate. It's a Lobby for the Arts exhibit at the Cummer." said Smith.

Students will be performing and featuring their artwork and eventually travel into the lobbies of area businesses, museums, theaters and hospitals until the end of the year.

"This will be an opportunity for the community to see the talent that exists in our elementary schools. We have so many talented students. For more information, go to capkids.org" said Smith


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Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.