Teaching Artists presenting in asheville schools

TAPAS is an arts-integration program that implements high quality artist residencies to create craft and performance experiences across all curriculum. TAPAS (Teaching Artists Presenting in Asheville Schools) was founded in 2010 through a collaborative partnership between ACSF, LEAF in Schools and Streets, and UNC Asheville. Between 2010-2024, TAPAS has impacted more than 10,900 ACS students, trained over 58 artists, and provided more than 950 days of artists in residence.

Teachers overwhelmingly report that classroom artist residencies successfully promote student enthusiasm and participation; student understanding of curriculum is deeper when taught as a creative project. Now in its 14th year, TAPAS has maintained the ability to be a cost-effective, far-reaching program with a profound impact on both individual artists and students in our community.