CCE's Community

Throughout CCE’s history, all programming has been conducted at local schools and community centers, with the aim of bringing arts-based education directly to target populations. However, because of CCE’s office location, a significant part of its mission – “Transformation of Communities” – was difficult to realize.

CCE’s search for a new home also provided the opportunity to search for a community to join, allowing a true, organic connection with local neighborhoods. The Northwood / Pleasant City / Northwestern Communities of West Palm Beach have long suffered from the ills of urban blight and neglect – poverty, crime, and a failed educational system. Unemployment has run rampant – as high as 80%.

The past few years have seen the beginnings of a rebirth, with local historic areas transforming their neighborhoods, and with the opening of the new Pleasant City Elementary School – a school CCE has been collaborating with since its opening.

The area is now on the threshold of significant outside investment and redevelopment. CCE’s vision is to become part of this unique community, just as it is poised for transformation. CCE’s new home, in the heart of the redevelopment area, will provide facilities to actually conduct programming on-site, allowing CCE to reach out to the community, local cultural organizations and religious groups to become a place for all residents to join with their children in learning through the arts. The new space also will be a perfect setting to feature musical, dance and stage performances along with gallery exhibitions to local residents – all within walking distance. In addition, this new facility will enable CCE to bring education and the arts into a prominent position, helping ground all redevelopment activity in these most fundamental underpinnings of community.

 

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