Dance~Fest 2014

Based in Providence, Rhode Island, Innovative Movement Performance by Artists with Creative Talents (I.M.P.A.C.T.) developed two years ago out of increasing concern about the decreases in funding for arts educations programs in the public school systems as well as troubled youths in low-income communities not having enough creative outlets available to them. In that period of time, the organization has expanded toward reaching a greater goal than only being a dance competition; I.M.P.A.C.T. wishes to raise enough capital over the next four to eight years to build and open its own complex in the downtown arts district of Providence, Rhode Island.

Offering a variety of arts programs, including dance, theater, and music, the I.M.P.A.C.T. Artistic Complex will benefit low-income and middle class students who want to be involved in the arts in addition to local artists that want to continue developing their craft. Besides professionally taught classes and workshops, the I.M.P.A.C.T. Artistic Complex will offer its own on-site clinic for artists without medical insurance. Unfortunately, because most artists are independent contractors, living on an inconsistent income, they cannot afford reliable health insurance coverage. As a result, artists are at risk for not getting the proper medical procedures to heal their injuries or illnesses, leading them to prolonged hiatuses from their work.

Since the recession, schools in wealthier neighborhoods that faced budget cuts were able to make up for their losses through private donations, while schools in impoverished neighborhoods have not. Consequently, schools in areas serving children from low-income families have reduced or completely cut their arts and music programs. These programs tend to be the first casualties of budget cuts in hard-pressed school districts already struggling to meet other demands of the academic curriculum. A study titled ‘The Role of the Fine and Performing Arts in High School Dropout Prevention’ done by the Center for Music Research at Florida State University stated

"Students at risk of not successfully completing their high school educations cite their participation in the arts as reasons for staying in school. Factors related to the arts that positively affected the motivation of these students included a supportive environment that promotes constructive acceptance of criticism and one where it is safe to take risks."