‘Arts for All’ makes fine arts available for all kids

Program reduces ticket prices for field trips

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Viterbo University is making the fine arts more accessible to people of all ages.

The university, with help from Macy’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities, donated nearly $12,000 to area schools to help pay for field trips to Viterbo’s Fine Arts Center. The ‘Arts for All’ program offers reduced ticket prices based on how many students receive reduced or free lunches in their school district.

Organizers say the program is all about creating a love for the fine arts within children.

“We had a little boy this morning, one of our ushers overheard him, the show had just started and there were only a few bars of music that came in, and the usher overheard him say ‘This is magic!’ and that’s why we do what we do, for kids who are coming in and experiencing this for the first time or for the hundredth time,” said Viterbo University Arts Education Coordinator Beth Franklin.

‘Arts for All’ funding is available to more than 4,800 students in local schools, including La Crosse, Onalaska and Holmen.