Interlochen Center for the Arts

Mission Statement

Interlochen Center for the Arts is dedicated to engaging and inspiring people worldwide through excellence in educational, artistic and cultural programs, enhancing the quality of life through the universal language of the arts.

Brief History

Interlochen Center for the Arts was founded in 1928, when a visionary music instructor named Joseph Maddy opened the nation's first summer arts camp in the woods of northern Michigan. Originally called the National High School Orchestra Camp, the scope of the organization has grown to encompass a wider range of arts and serve artists of all ages. Today, Interlochen attracts students from all 50 states and 40 countries to study music, visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing and motion picture arts, and encompasses:

• a 2500-student summer arts camp for young artists age 8-18
• a 500-student fine arts boarding high school
• creative arts programs for adults
• a year-round performance series
• two 24-hour public radio services (classical music and news)

In 2006, Interlochen Center for the Arts was awarded the National Medal of Arts, the United States' highest honor in the arts.

Goals

For more than eighty years, Interlochen has trained and inspired artists and championed the value of arts education.

Volunteer Opportunities

Interlochen volunteers usher at concerts, lead tours, plant flowers, and assist with clerical and other important duties. You can support the arts and enrich the lives of Interlochen's gifted youth with just a few hours of your time. For information, visit www.interlochen.org/ volunteer.

Giving Opportunities

Contributions to Interlochen help maintain the generous financial aid program and support other critical operations, from performances to public radio. Giving opportunities include: The Interlochen fund: An annual giving program that provides critical scholarship support to make the Interlochen dream possible for hundreds of students. It is a gift that will change a life. INTERLOCHEN PUBLIC RADIO: Individual donations and corporate underwriting help keep IPR on the air 24 hours a day and qualify for generous Michigan tax credits. PLANNED GIVING: Bequests, life insurance, trusts, annuities and other planned gifts can create a legacy for generations, while providing valuable donor benefits. If you would like to make a gift, please visit www.interlochen.org/support or contact the advancement office at 231.276.7615.

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Biggest Need in 2009

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT: Last year, Interlochen awarded nearly $7 million in financial assistance. Interlochen's commitment to a diverse, talented student body depends upon the generosity of individuals who support Camp and Academy scholarship programs. FUNDS TO EXPAND IPR NEWS RADIO: IPR, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters' "Public Radio Station of the Year," needs capital to expand its award-winning news service to Harbor Springs and Manistee, so that all of northwestern Michigan can benefit from the IPR network.