ARTBEAT 2026

Sandy Springs Arts Foundation (SSAF) proudly announces that our third annual FREE-PUBLIC visual and performing arts showcase raised $100,000 in support of the arts in Sandy Springs-located public schools! The funds raised through our community are being donated back to the participating schools to help them access much needed art-related items such as instruments, paint, consumables, software, lighting, etc. In addition, the monies will provide the ability to provide more art appreciation experiences, including field trips.

 

The event held at the Byers Theatre highlighted the talent of public-school art students from: Ridgeview Charter Middle School, Riverwood International Charter High School, Sandy Springs Charter Middle School, and North Springs Charter High School. According to SSAF board member and community leader, Jan Collins, “Our ARTBEAT event was a fabulous opportunity for our Sandy Springs-located students to showcase their talent and passion for the arts. Having the opportunity to perform on the grand stage of the Byers Theatre and display their art in the Byers lobby was a thrill for students and audiences alike!”

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Over 520 students from all the aforementioned schools presented over 100 pieces of 2D and 3D visual art and sang and performed music (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Dance, Rock Band), etc. Approximately 800 attendees enjoyed the event. The students were so excited to have shared their art! As one student put it, “We were more hyped than last year! This is awesome…I’ll never forget it”.

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But why highlight and invest in our public schools and especially the arts?

 

• Our public schools are the heartbeats of our neighborhoods - where our kids learn to live in community with one another.
   

• In addition, five of the 10 public schools in Sandy Springs are Title 1 (approximately 40% of a school population comes from households below the poverty line). Our public schools provide an education to those that are may not able to access other options.
   

• Research shows that the positive effects of the arts are especially beneficial for low-socioeconomic status students. Additionally, at-risk students who take art are significantly more likely to stay in school and ultimately to get college degrees.
   

• Students with an education rich in the arts have higher GPAs, standardized test scores, and lower drop-out rates. The arts - music, creative writing, visual arts, dance - provide skills sought by employers. Seventy-two percent of corporations say the #1 skill they look for is creativity. Arts activities in schools and at home can help foster cognitive development as well as provide outlets for children to express how they feel and develop their self identities.
   

• Art also creates an energized learning environment. Moreover, art helps a student understand the greater world and the role they play in it. It deepens both self and cultural understanding.

 

But it doesn’t stop there.

 

Art has the ability to uplift and transform. The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us – by building bridges between cultures, and bringing us together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or age. Appreciating the arts positively affects well-being and the ability to build community!

 

Teacher Testimonials

 

• “Thank you for organizing this wonderful event! The students, their families, and myself all really appreciate it. I feel so grateful to have been able to provide this opportunity for my students to play in a professional concert hall. They really enjoyed it and the event/rehearsal ran smoothly! Thanks again for all of your work!” RCMS

 

• “Thank you again for facilitating such an amazing opportunity for our students to showcase their work. Seeing the work every day, I sometimes forget how impactful it can be when seen out in the community. Our students were so proud to have their work on display in such a beautiful space, and we received so much positive feedback from attendees.” RCHS
   

• “I wanted to thank you all specifically for a wonderful event on Saturday. Thank you and your board so much for providing a space that advocates for the arts in schools. The Sandy Springs Arts Foundation is needed and appreciated. Saturday was so great, and I look forward to another one next year.” NSCHS

 

• “ArtBeat served as vibrant celebration of the arts, bringing together students from Orchestra, Band, Theatre, Visual Art, and Chorus. The event showcased the incredible diversity of artistic expression, allowing students to shine in their respective fields. I extend my deepest thanks to the Sandy Springs Arts Foundation for the incredible ArtBeat experience. It is through initiatives like these that we witness the transformative power of the arts, and I eagerly anticipate future events that continue to inspire and uplift our Sandy Springs community.” RCHS
   

• “The Sandy Springs Arts Foundation provided an amazing experience for our music students at Ridgeview Charter Middle School. The students and community really enjoyed having the opportunity to share our hard work, thanks to SSAF. The Foundation has also made substantial financial contributions to our music department, which has really aided in growing our program!” RCMS

 

As the event was a resounding success, SSAF is already planning for ARBEAT again in 2027. To date, SSAF has donated $225,000 to these schools since ArtBeat’s inception.