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 Community Services 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. (Artists Reaching & Teaching Students) 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.

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 TrueNorth Art Scholarship Contest/Exhibit allows students to enter their artwork in a Newaygo County countywide art exhibit. The students' pieces are on public display for a week after being judged by guest professional artists. Individuals receive merit ribbons and portfolio winners also receive monetary scholarships for art camps, classes and/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 comprised of Newaygo County music educators. 

We provide an opportunity for eighth through 11th grade students to perform before a panel of guest adjudicators, and compete for monetary awards through our TrueNorth 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 contact Kim Tufnell at (231) 924-0641, ext. 135.

The 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 Friday Piano Showcases begin at 4 p.m. on select dates in the Multi-Purpose Room at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 S. Warner Avenue (M-82) in Fremont. See your piano teacher for details; or contact Kim Tufnell at (231) 924-0641, ext. 135.

Through our Piano Initiatives, we provide communities with opportunities to participate in different piano enrichment programs which vary from year to year, and include the Celebration Concert Series. The 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 honorees have included Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Beethoven, and Duke Ellington. The concerts typically take place in November.