From dance and music to theater and the visual arts, cultural programs give us, especially youth, a means of expression that helps capture our passions and emotions, allowing us to explore new ideas. The arts touch every aspect of our lives.

Since 1950, beginning with Family Concerts and Music Scholarships, TrueNorth has provided affordable, accessible arts experiences for local residents. The arts play a central role in the quality of life for people of all ages and backgrounds. Participation in the arts is especially important for children and youth, improving performance in school and promoting creative problem solving, self-discipline, and responsibility. TrueNorth Cultural Enrichment programs enhance area schools’ arts programs and provide area families with affordable, accessible arts opportunities that they would not otherwise experience.

The A.R.T.S. enlists the aid of all  high school and middle school art educators in Newaygo County through their schools to develop programs designed to enhance visual arts education. We accomplish this through two programs.

The Art-In provides a guest artist who leads up to 90 students and their teachers in a concentrated, hands-on, creative art experience/clinic.

The Art Contest allows students to enter their artwork in a countywide art contest. The student’s pieces are on public display for a week after being judged by a guest art professional. Individual winners receive merit ribbons and portfolio winners also receive monetary scholarships for Art Camps, classes or supplies.

Activities are tailored to enrich music education and provide encouragement to those interested in vocal and instrumental music. The Music Enhancement Committee is made up of all Newaygo County music educators. 

We provide an opportunity for 8th through 11th grade students to perform before a panel of guest adjudicators, and compete for monetary awards through our Music Scholarship Competition. Students compete as vocalists, pianists, or instrumentalists, and scholarships are used for private lessons, music camps, or instrument purchase or repair. See your choir, band, or piano teacher for full details including application, or call Brenda at 652-1184.

The First Friday Piano Showcase provides piano students with opportunities to perform on the TrueNorth Steinway piano for family and friends in a recital setting. All participating students receive a certificate of achievement. The First Friday Piano Showcases begin at 4PM in the multi-purpose room at TrueNorth.  See your piano teacher for details or call Brenda at 652-1184.

Through our Piano Initiatives we provide communities with opportunities to participate in different piano enrichment programs which vary from year to year, but always include the annual Birthday Concert Series. This series celebrates the music of famous composers on (or near) their birthday. Local musicians perform at this free concert and typically, light refreshments are served. Past honoree’s have included; Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Beethoven, and Duke Ellington. The concerts usually take place in November - check back right here for more details.