The Performing and Visual Arts Camp (PVAC- pronounced pee-vak) began as an afterschool program at Harding Elementary School during the 2003-2004 school year. Dauri Kennedy was working at Harding as an Artist-in-Residence through Children’s Creative Project (CCP). At the time Ms. Kennedy was also working McKinley and Washington as a Music Instructor during the school day. Each school’s PTA would raise funds in order to offer arts education through CCP.  Ms. Kennedy began to see a need for more so the afterschool program was born.  That same year she asked her Voice Studio mate Dr. William Nield Chrstensen and the director of Children’s Creative Project, Kathy Koury to help her create a six-week summer program that would include a scholarship program so that all stakeholders --- students and community members could participate in Arts Education regardless of socio-economic status.  After the first summer Mary Ann Helman came on board to serve as our Board President. The first summer was held with 68 students for six weeks at Harding Elementary School Auditorium. PVAC is a non-profit under Children's Creative Project sponsorship. 
 
PVAC’s primary goals are: to provide high level arts education and to guide students as they develop artistic skills, teamwork skills, and in turn, take pride in themselves. PVAC also works closely with community stakeholders to educate and demonstrate outreach and volunterism in the Arts. Performing Artists teach students in the six arts disciplines: dance, drama, music, visual arts and creative writing. These Resident artists work closely with students in individual, small group and large classes to prepare students for various art showcases and performances throughout the summer. Resident artists are responsible for teaching State Content Standards in the various art forms and modeling teamwork skills and work ethic. PVAC artists and educators work closely with students to build self-confidence, teamwork skills, creativity, and cultivate a drive for academic and personal success.

Community Sponsorship: 
PVAC has received community support from individual donors, private foundations and city and state organizations. Primary private funding has beed through the Towbes Foundation, and the Santa Barbara Foundation. Most recently PVAC received a generous donation from Mary Ann Helman through her fund "Santa Barbara Boys' Choir Scholarship Fund" held at the Santa Barbara  Foundation. 

This project is funded in part by the Community Arts Program using funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture.