“Artistic growth is a mystery; at Usdan we try to create the atmosphere that encourages it.”
– Andrew McKinley, Usdan Founding Executive Director, 1968–1983
Every summer, Usdan brings world-class teachers and visiting artists – actors, directors, playwrights, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers, dancers, poets and novelists – to teach and collaborate with Usdan campers ages 4 to 18. We know experienced artists and young creators learn from each other and contribute to one another’s work and development in this two-way exchange.
How We Engage Artists
Our professional artist engagement manifests in five ways:
Artists in Residence
Despite the many films, images, and stories designed for young people, due to the constraints of age and access, precious little art and culture is genuinely created with young people. What would an artistic landscape informed by the real experiences of young people look like?
Festival Performers
Every day, campers gather in the McKinley Amphitheater to watch festival performers from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. While on campus to perform, several acts also engage with students during luncheons in the backstage greenroom. Many also stay on to offer workshops or master classes with students.
Partners
Usdan engages creative partners as advisors and collaborators to build camp class curriculum as well as on- and off-campus events and experiences.
Visiting
Since 1968, Usdan has invited world-class teachers and visiting artists – actors, directors, playwrights, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers, dancers, poets and novelists – to visit, teach, and collaborate with our campers, ages 4 to 18.
