The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has an innovative new program to foster “children’s physical, emotional and intellectual health.” Called “Culture Shot,” and written up in the Christian Science Monitor, it provides each child who has a check-up two free tickets to the theatre as the child leaves the doctor’s office.
The premise behind this effort is that “culture fosters better health habits.” And Culture Shot accomplishes two very important aims: making clear that culture is a basic nutrient and not a luxury, and that everyone should experience theatre, regardless of family or social background. We at Imagination Stage whole-heartedly believe in this kind of holistic approach to child development and education and in universal access to the arts for children. So, even as the flu season bears down, we hope to see you at Ferdinand the Bull or at Disney’s Mulan and we wish you and your children Gesundheit.
Tags: Early Childhood
