2019-732-E Hillsborough Arts Council Lantern Walk

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DocuSign Envelope ID:A71C3E54-9B93-4195-AE3F-FD44AE971DA4 Project Goals The overall goal of the Solstice Lantern Walk is to inspire creativity and to serve as a reminder of the natural phenomena that exist in our world. The celebration of the solstice and creation of lanterns brings together science and art for a special, family-friendly event that brings family, friends, and community members together regardless of background, culture, religion, or other traditions. The Solstice Lantern Walk is accessible for all people, regardless of socio-economic status. The addition of free artist-led workshops in our schools aims to bring awareness and participation from a greater population of Hillsborough area families. Access to art is an important factor in the education and enrichment of young children. This program provides a means to create art and an opportunity learn about the scientific significance of the Winter Solstice. All participants are rewarded with the ability to show off what they created and to enjoy the success of their project. Now in our 5th year, HAC has watched this program grow and expand in exciting ways. In 2018, HAC introduced music to the Solstice Lantern Walk for the first time, and drew record crowds. The feedback provided following the event commended HAC on the addition of music and requested music for future iterations of the event. This year, while maintaining the quiet nature of the event, HAC will hire additional musicians that embody the Native American history of the area, and dancers and other performers that use music, light, and nature to create their work. Audience Description Each year the number of participants for this program has increased. In 2018 the registration was over 4,000 individuals. Each year about forty percent of total participants are from Hillsborough and more than sixty-five percent from Orange County. Participation is tracked through a requested registration for all participants. The addition of a school-age program for 2019 will increase participant diversity and improve access of this program for more families and community members. The event is intended to be accessible to people across all demographics, socio-economic classes, genders, and ability. Racial and cultural demographics have not previously been captured but can be included as an optional field during their registration process.