Celebrating 25 Years of Partnering with the Community
In the year of our 25th anniversary, we have delivered educational arts programming to 40,000 TK-12 grade students in 125 schools across 18 school districts. 90% of “Starting Arts schools” retain our instructional programs year over year.
From the beginning, Starting Arts has forged lasting partnerships that allow us to deliver quality, affordable, and accessible arts instruction for thousands of young people whose lives are positively impacted by exposure to the arts.
We mark our 25th year with the expansion from grass roots programming to the stewardship of the Shared Arts Center of San Jose. This self-sustaining arts facility is a safe and creative place for artists, students, families, and fellow community nonprofit arts organizations to thrive within downtown San Jose and Santa Clara County.
We invite your partnership in supporting the Shared Arts Center of San Jose — join us!
Our Mission
Founded in 2000, Starting Arts (SA) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization with a mission to make the arts accessible to all students in the Bay Area. We focus on supporting under-served youth in Title 1 schools, providing instruction in dance, theatre, music and visual arts with programs taught by professional artists.
As stewards of the Shared Arts Center of San Jose Capital Campaign, we advance our mission to expand our visual and performing arts programs and those of partnering arts organizations in San Jose and communities across Santa Clara County. Our journey in elevating the arts continues!
Starting Arts Programs and Services
School Programs
Learn more about our dance, music, theater, and visual arts programs — before, during, and after school!
SA Studios
Advance your skills with classes, workshops, productions, and musical theatre training in our studios.
SA Studio Dance
Join us for 10 weeks of dance technique! Classes include ballet, tap, and jazz, and are open to multiple levels. Ages are a suggestion, so please reach out if you would like to register for a class outside of the age group.
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a way to support the arts in your community? Volunteer at Starting Arts! Volunteer opportunities throughout the year may include costume assistance, painting/building, loading in or loading out sets for bigger productions, event/fundraiser help, and more!