We partner with schools and community organizations to provide equal access to arts inspired learning for people of all ages and abilities. Our work fosters creative and critical thinking and bridges arts, education, and human services in many of the most underserved and marginalized sectors of Massachusetts. Founded in 1976, Enchanted Circle is a pioneer in the field of arts integration, using th
e arts as a dynamic teaching tool. Our programs integrate theater, dance, music, visual arts, media arts, and literary arts – with academic and social curricula to improve student achievement and the development of social emotional health. We work in close partnership with 25+ public schools and we collaborate with 60+ community partners and social service agencies, developing culturally relevant and artistically compelling programs that bring the “joy back into learning.”
Enchanted Circle’s award winning teaching methods have earned the reputation as a turn-around agent in our communities’ most challenged school districts because we make learning memorable and meaningful for both students and teachers. Our arts integration work is recognized as an innovative method that builds authentic connections between students and content, making curriculum accessible and culturally resonant, engaging youth in the creative process of learning beyond the classroom. Equally important, our arts integration work has been recognized for creating positive outcomes for youth socially, developing their self-esteem and confidence, building their communication and collaboration skills, and motivating them to become civically active and engaged in their communities. EC is a proud recipient of the Commonwealth Award, Massachusetts’ highest honor in the arts, sciences, and humanities, and the NEPR Award for excellence in arts and humanities. Priscilla Kane Hellweg, Enchanted Circle’s Executive/Artistic Director, was recently awarded the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network for her dedication to providing arts integration education, and for transforming learning opportunities for thousands of children and adults across Western Massachusetts.
