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Quantum Arts Program Fact Sheet

June 26, 2023

The Quantum Arts Program provides an additional opportunity for schools to address the needs of individual students within the scope of Winnipeg School Division's (WSD) integrated enrichment model for gifted education. The program is run by WSD and funded by Children's Heritage Education Endowment Fund.

The Program

  • Each year, between 150 and 200 students participate in a variety of arts programs, working with professionals in their field.
  • Schools select participating students based on their interest and aptitude. The majority of students in the Quantum Arts Program would most likely not be able to access the programs on their own.
  • Bus tickets are supplied to all students who attend the program.
  • The Quantum Arts Program includes the following programs:

    • Quantum Arts: 102 students in Grade 5 to 8 working with professional actors, dancers and artists at one of three organizations: Prairie Theatre Exchange, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Students attend instruction during school hours, for two hours, twice a week. After the eight-week course, students show what they have learned in an annual finale for family and teachers.
    • Play Creation Through Improv: 18 Grade 9 to 12 students work with the Prairie Theatre Exchange once a week for eight weeks after school. Classes are three hours long, starting at 4:00 p.m.
    • The Basics of Film: 25 Grade 9 to 12 students work with the Winnipeg Film Group for 11 weeks after school. Students attend for two hours beginning at 4:30 p.m., twice a week. They learn about the camera, light, sound and editing, and later work on a short production which is shown at the annual finale.
    • The Winnipeg Art Gallery Senior High Program: 32 Grade 9 to 12 students work with the Winnipeg Art Gallery Studio Program. Students attend instruction during school hours for two hours, twice a week. This program bridges high school and post-secondary art programs of professional practice. After the eight-week course, the students present their work and participate in the installation of an art show that takes place in the WAG Studio Building.
  • The Quantum Arts Program cost approximately $60,000 for the school year

History

  • The Quantum Arts Program started in the 1989-90 school year.
  • The Quantum Arts Program was modeled after an innovative program called Challenge '87, which provided 120 Grade 4 through 8 students with 10 days of innovative learning during the summer of 1987. Five organizations were involved with that first program: the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Prairie Theatre Exchange, the University of Winnipeg (for creative writing, word processing and video production) and the Manitoba Museum (for entomology and astronomy).

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