Even those of us who are seasoned homeschoolers are feeling a little frazzled about how to fill our kids’ long, uninterrupted days at home right now. But I’ve loved the way our artist community has come out to support our kids and families in so many ways — drawing classes, book read-alongs, and impromptu concerts from the living room for our kids. And now you can add NYC’s esteemed Lincoln Center to the list with online arts programming from Lincoln Center at home — all designed for kids and families, all totally free.
Every weekday at 2:00 PM ET (uh, what’s a weekday again?), you’ll find Lincoln Center pop-up classroom sessions on their Facebook page, so your kids’ art education can keep going even while school arts electives and after-school activities are generally on hold.
Yesterday’s puppet-making and scenery workshop (above) featuring the delightfully engaging Mr. B. is now archived on their Facebook page. It’s a compelling craft workshop for kids using very basic supplies (“If you don’t have tin foil, it’s okay!”) , so they can create their own mini set design for their own puppet play.
Today, find a kids’ songwriting workshop live with performer and Lincoln Center teaching artist Ashley Renee Watkins, who you may have caught on America’s Got Talent.
Other arts lessons range from hip-hop dance to songwriting, flipbook making to choreography. Watch them live (which is fun because you can ask questions and engage), or if you miss it, it’s okay! Catch them at your own leisure on their Facebook page.
There’s also a #ConcertsforKids series which is not what you might expect. Will there be classical music? Of course! But there’s so much more.
Yesterday, kids got a look at Music from the Sole (very top), featuring the incredible tap dance company Sole. Click over, and your kids can watch Leonardo Sandoval dance brilliantly to live accompanists that blend funk, house, jazz, and Afro-Cuban music. Starting Sunday, you’ll find an all-ages performance from Latin Grammy nominee Sonia De Los Santos. and next week there’s going to be a powerful concert for tweens and teens from multicultural singer-songwriter Zeshan B, who your older kids might appreciate as the opener for artists like Mis Def and A Tribe Called Quest.
There’s so much diversity in the programming here as you’d expect from Lincoln Center, for all kinds of kids. And adults! In fact, some of us are particularly excited for Ballet Hispanico on April 10. above. (What, were you planning on going out that Friday night?)
Honestly, it’s so moving to see the cultural education our kids are getting for free right now. We’re so thankful to all the artists and arts organizations who are bringing entertainment, inspiration, and small joys to our kids when times are tough
See the full schedule of Lincoln Center at Home programming on their online calendar, and like the Lincoln Center Facebook page for updates.
All images © Lincoln Center
So appreciate seeing resources that benefit both kids and the arts!