About:

Gila Valley Arts Council (GVAC) was formed in 1985 to support and sponsor performing arts in the Gila Valley.  During its 29 years of existence, the mission of GVAC has focused on exposing the counties’ youth to the world of the arts.  Services are provided in a variety of ways.

The Bus-In brings students from respective schools to performances at local performing arts venues.  The purpose of this is to raise awareness of the performing arts, support AZ Arts Standards, teach basic vocabulary and skills of instrumental, vocal, and theatrical performance and further entice students to pursue the arts as electives in school.

The In-School Residency brings the artists TO students.  It allows for performances to smaller audiences and creates a more intimate atmosphere for learning. 

The Workshop brings the artists to classrooms in the Gila Valley.  A classroom teacher provides pre-teaching to prepare the students for the artist’s visit.  The purpose is to support and supplement classroom curriculum.  Examples:  Charles Lindbergh visited Safford Middle School Social Studies classes to discuss the role of aviation in the history of our country.  A string quartet worked with Thatcher Middle band students to project sound and rhythm in their group performances.  An actress taught poetry to Safford High School English classes.