Young jazz students at Ramsey Performing Arts©Andrea Canter

The 18th citywide Minneapolis Public Schools arts festival, now known as Viva City, focuses on Performing Arts—specifically jazz-- on March 14th at The Cedar at 7 pm. In partnership with Achieve Minneapolis, the festival also includes middle school and high school visual arts exhibits, theater and fringe theater performances, and choir concerts held at various venues in March. All exhibits and performances are free and open to the public.

For 18 years, Viva City has showcased arts education in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). This district-wide event reflects the high quality programs and the extra voluntary efforts of the district’s fine arts teachers. In addition to the direct involvement of visual and performing arts students, the event also serves motivate students, celebrate student achievement in the arts, and provide staff development for teachers. “The arts are vital in Minneapolis Public Schools. There is much to celebrate as we strengthen learning in and through the arts for student success. That success reaps dividends in the lives of our students and in the life of our city for years to come.” In their festival preparation, performance, and exhibition, students have worked toward the Minnesota Academic Standards in Artistic Creativity, Performance and Interpretation. Viva City is coordinated by MPS Comprehensive Arts, which advances student achievement and improves teacher practice through the creation of arts-rich classroom experiences.

St.Olaf Jazz Ensemble I (Photo - Tom Roster)

The Cedar is located at 416 Cedar Av South in Minneapolis; www.thecedar.org. For more information about the art exhibits and theater presentations of Viva City, visit http://aaa.mpls.k12.mn.us/schools-arts-partners/viva-city

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