The Mimbres Region Arts Council voted unanimously to eliminate all fees for student outreach performances in 2016. This includes the already popular acts, Marching Fourth Marching Band, February 26 and Cirque ZumaZuma on April 16th. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

"We want more kids to be inspired! We want to fill the theater to capacity. The arts are for everyone, especially the little ones who will be our future artists, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers and community leaders." - Mimi Clark, MRAC Board President

The concept behind student pricing was a well-intentioned effort to instill the importance of arts patronage. MRAC will launch a special fund raising effort, the Inspire/Aspire Fund for Student Outreach to now cover the costs for students. If successful, the Inspire/Aspire Fund may also include busing subsidies for outlying school districts, adding performances and more arts programming in the schools.

"I think our members, our donors and our community recognize the value of bringing quality performing arts events to Silver City. For the same cost as dinner and a movie, an entire class of students could attend an outreach performance." - Kevin Lenkner, Executive Director

MRAC plans to feature the Inspire/Aspire Fund drive in an online campaign connected to the philanthropic movement known as #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

Anyone interested in contributing to the Inspire/Aspire Fund for Student Outreach can give online at www.mimbresarts.org, or through the Mimbres Region Arts Council facebook page. Contributions can also be mailed to 1201 N. Pope Street or called into the MRAC offices at (575) 538-2505.