This month, Mt. Cuba welcomes performers from Delaware’s Christina Cultural Arts Center on June 25 from 6-7:30 pm. These students are passionate about expressing themselves through music, dance, drama, media technology and visual arts.
Guests can enjoy a rare evening in the gardens and are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. Tickets grant admission for the whole day, so arrive early to explore the gardens before the event begins!
To find out more about Christina Cultural Arts Center (CCAC), we spoke with Tabita Ares, School of Arts Program & Rentals Manager.
Mt. Cuba Center: Guests can enjoy outdoor performances by students of the Christina Cultural Arts Center. Can you share how CCAC started and how it’s evolved throughout the years?
CCAC: Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. was founded in 1945 by the Women’s Club of Trinity Episcopal Church to provide activities for immigrant Polish and Swedish working-class families. In 1969, the Christina mission was realigned to serve as a community-based arts center with an emphasis on preserving African American cultural heritage. In 1993, Christina completed a capital campaign to purchase and renovate its central location in downtown Wilmington at 705 N. Market Street.
Today, Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. is a gathering place for all, exploring diverse creative expressions reflecting our shared heritage. Through Christina’s programs, more than 2,200 students in the school of the arts, area public schools, community outreach sites and parks are reached with quality arts and cultural programs annually. More than 10,000 arts supporters annually attended public dance, music, drama performance and visual art exhibitions hosted by Christina Cultural Arts Center and our strategic partners.
Mt. Cuba Center: CCAC is making a big impact in Wilmington and the local community. What’s the mission of the arts center and how many students participate in its programs?
CCAC: The mission of Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. (CCAC) is to change the trajectory of a child’s life by making affordable arts, education, career pathways, gallery exhibitions and live performances accessible to all in a welcoming environment.
Mt. Cuba Center: What are some of the performances that guests will be able to enjoy at Christina in the Gardens?
CCAC: We will have a variety of youth and adult students sharing their gifts of instrumental music, dance and vocals. We will also hear the awesome sounds of our CCAC Faculty band.
Mt. Cuba Center: What do you think is unique about this event?
CCAC: That our students and faculty all come together with Mt. Cuba guests to share a portion of our culture expressions in a welcoming environment.
Mt. Cuba Center: What is one thing you want a guest to take away from watching a performance by students of CCAC?
CCAC: No Matter young or old. It’s never too late to participate in the arts!
Tickets are required for all attendees. General Admission tickets are not valid for Christina in the Gardens. Rain date: July 1st 6-7:30pm