Arts Access
The Access Program at the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) is designed to ensure that every child and family on Cape Cod can experience the joy, creativity, and transformative power of the arts—regardless of income, zip code, or circumstance. Whether it’s a child’s first time at a theater, a scholarship for dance lessons, or a community-based arts program serving youth in need, the Access Program opens the door to meaningful cultural opportunities across our region.
Removing Barriers. Creating Possibilities.
Art changes lives. It builds confidence, fosters connection, nurtures curiosity, and gives young people a platform to express who they are. But too often, the cost of access—transportation, tuition, supplies—puts those opportunities out of reach. The Access Program helps remove those barriers, one experience at a time.
Since 2019, Arts Access has:
Reached 15,000+ children, including over 5,500 in 2023
Funded classes for children living in shelters and in foster care
Supported school-based artist residencies and field trips
Brought live jazz and classical music to local schools
Youth Arts Scholarships
We partner with local organizations to identify children who would benefit from arts programming. Once approved, we fund the class directly through the provider. Community Partners Include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, YMCA Young Achievers, Cape Cod Children’s Place, PAAM, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cape Symphony, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Harwich Jr. Theatre, and more.
Cultural Field Trips
We cover the cost of transportation so schools in Barnstable County can bring students to inspiring, arts-focused field trips—locally and beyond.
Past trips include:
• Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Peabody Essex Museum
• Cotuit Center for the Arts
• Broadway in NYC
OUR IMPACT
Access in Action: Poppy’s Story
GIVE A CHILD A GIFT OF THE ARTS
Your donation helps remove barriers and create access to arts experiences for children across Cape Cod. From music lessons to museum field trips, your support opens doors to creativity, connection, and joy. Because every child deserves the chance to experience the arts.
artist spotlight
Here for the next era of arts and artists.
Julia Cumes
Photographer