ORANGE COUNTY CHILDREN'S THERAPEUTIC ARTS CENTER
Allison Hata | Fall 2022
With a goal of creating more access to the arts for youth from economically challenged parts of the community, Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) offers several multicultural programs for all ages and differing abilities, from early start options as young as six months to family mentoring support for those who have a child with a disability. This year, thanks to the Festival of Children Foundation, a group of students from the organization's Preparatory Arts Academy had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play alongside international recording and touring artists El Santo Golpe at Gold Pacific Studios. It was the culmination of a year-long project featuring 14 special needs and typical students, two teachers and lead vocalist Ulises Rodriguez from El Santo Golpe. The original song they recorded, "El Mundo Entero," will be featured as one of OCCTAC's featured ensemble performances at Festival of Children, as well as released on music streaming services later this year.
How to get involved: Whether you're creatively inclined or just have a passion for the arts, there's an opportunity for you at OCCTAC. Volunteers from all backgrounds are invited to lend a hand with roles that include events and engagement activity support for the community outreach team, tutoring transitional-age youth, leading early start activities for students, and assisting teachers at the Preparatory Arts Academy.
occac.org | IG: @occtac