Our History

Cathedral Arts was launched in 1993 by a small group of individuals from St. John's Episcopal Cathedral who had a heart for both children and the arts. They wanted to provide the children in the immediate neighborhood an opportunity for a meaningful education in the arts. They began with one dance class that was attended by 10 students from a transitional housing facility.

Word got out pretty quickly about this program, and soon principals from public schools throughout the city began calling to see if the Cathedral Arts Project could come to their school in the afternoon. Within three short years, Cathedral Arts had partnered with 15 elementary schools to provide free dance classes to deserving children, and by 1999, programming expanded to include instruction in visual arts and violin.

Though the original intent had never been to form an independent nonprofit, Cathedral Arts decided to seek incorporation and was designated as a 501(c)(3) charity in 2000. The organization continues to grow each year, expanding to include choral music and drama in 2002, and band in 2004.

What began as one dance class for 10 students now serves over 1,200 children through 67 twice-weekly afternoon classes. Children are learning the arts of classical and rhythmic ballet, tap, jazz, African rhythmic dance, violin, band, chorus, drama, painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics each year. More than that, they are learning the skills they need to succeed in all areas of life - skills such as self-discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and imagination.

We are committed to serving the youth of Northeast Florida and believe participation in the arts can be the catalyst for extraordinary change. To that end, we will continue to grow our programming until we reach our vision for tomorrow, and every child has equal access to an arts-rich education.