"It was a dream to instil in all children the love of the arts, inspiring them to become healthy, confident, productive, creative citizens. A dream to build a centre that would awaken the artistic potential of young people in a way that hadn't been done before. It was a dream to make a difference."
— Carol Henriquez, O.C., honorary chair of the Arts Umbrella board of directors, cofounder of Arts Umbrella

In 1979, Arts Umbrella opened its doors to 45 children. It was an endeavour buoyed by a dream held by five enthusiastic artists concerned about the lack of arts education available to children. The founders worked as first instructors, served as the organization's first Board of Directors and did everything else, too.

The need in the community was evident, and Arts Umbrella took off instantly. The work was tough in the beginning but the community rallied around the small group of founders. Soon a new building, an increasing group of volunteers and donors, and a high-level Board of Directors were in place.

Arts Umbrella began with a dream more than 25 years ago but it has flourished through a strong vision and an unwavering focus on inspiring kids for life through the arts by providing the highest-quality visual and performing arts education to children regardless of their financial circumstances or their artistic gifts.

At Arts Umbrella, children learn to do many creative things. They learn to dance, to paint, to sculpt, to create computer games and cartoons, and to perform. They experience the joy of creation and discover their own creative potential. They learn to appreciate the arts. But what they are really receiving is tools to live a productive and inspired life. Through arts education, children gain self confidence, independent thinking, technical skills, discipline, and even improved academic results and specific career direction.

Scientific evidence and hard facts confirm the positive impact of arts education and training on young lives.

Arts Umbrella's strong legacy and culture are the result of the vision and "magic" established by the founders. They are continued through the work of the community that supports and upholds the organization. Everyone that has been touched by Arts Umbrella — from former students to parents, staff, instructors, volunteers, donors and the Board of Directors — thrives and is fed by the energy of the thousands of young people who each year engage in the magic of the Arts Umbrella experience.

This magic — charismatic, knowledgeable instructors fostering creativity and inspiring passion in children — is now a key component of Arts Umbrella's intellectual property and something that the organization continues to take very seriously.

By fostering and nurturing the magic, Arts Umbrella has become a model for children's arts institutions around the world — a truly world-class children's arts centre serving the community around it.