History
The JCC Maccabi Artsfest builds upon the successful foundation of the JCC Maccabi Games and creates an opportunity for Jewish teens, who have a strong interest in the arts, to come together in a weeklong Jewish experience. JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® connects hundreds of Jewish teens with similar interests to each other, the arts, and their local Jewish Community Centers.
What is JCC Maccabi ArtsFest®?
To engage creative teens in an intensive Jewish-identity building experience, JCC Association initiated a spectacular five-day summer program for teens that was modeled after its successful JCC Maccabi Games®. ArtsFest was designed to inspire creative teens through a combination of workshops, performances, exhibition, and social activities. Check out this short Artsfest Video.
The week’s highlights include (subject to change):
- Daily master classes, workshops and mentoring of works-in-progress with professional artists-in-residence
- Instrumental and vocal ensemble performances with exceptional talent showcased
- Art exhibitions
- Evening social activities
- Jewish learning and Israel awareness activities
- Day of Caring and Sharing program
- Gala finale art festival, open to the public
- And more!
What to Expect at ArtsFest®
A spirited creative energy is felt throughout the buildings and classrooms as the creative juices flow from the teen artists and master artists-in-residences. The days are filled with intense focus on their specialty and preparing for the final show, as well as bonding with other teens during social activities and meals.
To set the scene, the artists generally arrive at the host community on Sunday and are greeted by the host families. Following the opening event, teens will have a chance to meet with their artists-in-residence. Most days are spent in master classes, preparing for the closing event. In the evening, teens relax at a host family night and other social activities planned especially for them. Thursday is mostly spent preparing exhibits and performances for the gala finale. Formal appreciation of excellence is part of each art specialty.
