About

Mission

The mission of the JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® is to enable JCCs to reach out to a wider teen audience using the arts as a medium. ArtsFest, an arts-immersion program, is designed to inspire Jewish teens through a dynamic combination of workshop, performance, exhibition, community service, social activities, and fun to develop their individuality through the medium of artistic expression while strengthening their bonds to their Jewish heritage, community, and Israel.

History

Through JCC Association’s efforts, the JCC Maccabi Games® have grown to the point where close to 6,000 teens from many different countries participate each summer. We hope to build on this successful foundation and create an opportunity for Jewish teens, who have a strong interest in the arts, to meet. JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® connects hundreds of Jewish teens with similar interests to each other, the arts, and their local Jewish Community Centers.

What is JCC Maccabi ArtsFest®?

To engage creative teens in an intensive Jewish-identity building experience, JCC Association initiated a spectacular five-day summer program for teens that was modeled after its successful JCC Maccabi Games®. ArtsFest was designed to inspire creative teens through a combination of workshops, performances, exhibition, and social activities.

The week’s highlights include (subject to change):

Daily master classes, workshops and mentoring of works-in-progress with professional artists-in-residence
Instrumental and vocal ensemble performances with exceptional talent showcased
Art exhibitions
Evening social activities
Jewish learning and Israel awareness activities
Day of Caring and Sharing program
Gala finale art festival, open to the public
And more!

What to Expect at ArtsFest®

A spirited creative energy is felt throughout the buildings and classrooms as the creative juices flow from the teen artists and master artists-in-residences. The days are filled with intense focus on their specialty and preparing for the final show, as well as bonding with other teens during social activities and meals.

To set the scene, the artists generally arrive at the host community on Sunday and are greeted by the host families. Following the opening event, teens will have a chance to meet with their artists-in-residence. Most days are spent in master classes, preparing for the closing event. In the evening, teens relax at a host family night and other social activities planned especially for them. Thursday is mostly spent preparing exhibits and performances for the gala finale. Formal appreciation of excellence is part of each art specialty.

Where is JCC Maccabi ArtsFest®
Being Held?

There are two host cities named each summer.
August 9-14, 2009 at the Merage JCC of Orange County in Irvine California.
August 23-28, 2009 at New Jersey Y Camps in Milford Pennsylvania.
Top 10 Reasons to Get Involved

Artistic expression is used to create an intensive Jewish-identity building experience for more than 250 Jewish teens (8th to 12th grades).
Teens from JCC delegations throughout North America and around the world will bond during a five-day arts immersion program of workshops, performance, exhibition, community service and social activities—all taking place in Orange County, California.
It’s a great way to grow in a specific art specialty from a staff of inspiring master artists-in-residence.
Builds community through opportunities to volunteer which contributes to
the success of ArtsFest® and inspires future Jewish involvement.
The teens will participate in a Jewish experience including social action, Israeli and Judaic cultural programs.
JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® is full of fun social events and home hospitality.
JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® allows artists to thrive in a non-competitive
creative environment.
All artists participate in a collaborative final night performance/visual arts exhibition.
JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® is part of the JCC Maccabi Experience
(i.e., JCC Maccabi Games and JCC Maccabi Israel)
To HAVE FUN!!