Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Arts (TrICA) is a non-profit charitable 501(c)(3) organization that was founded on the belief that the arts have a unique power to inspire children to higher standards of excellence, creativity, and expression that will extend into other aspects of their lives.

TrICA, formerly known as Children’s Dance Institute, offers open classes to children after school, school-based dance programs, spring break and summer camps. We teach musical theater, dance, the art of drumming, giant puppetry, the visual arts, comedic theater and so much more! We design classes that intrigue children and build imaginations.

TrICA teaches the arts to introduce and develop aesthetic skills, to share with children that the arts are part of our evolving cultural record, and to give them the experiences with their hands and bodies that are integral to their cognitive development. We teach the arts because they engage both students’ minds and hearts.

Listen to our 05/18/09 interview with Divas for a Difference:

Why a Children’s Arts Institute

TrICA is created distinctly for children. Currently programs are offered in partnerships with other organizations, in public and independent schools, and in rented sites. A vital aspect of TrICA's future programming is the establishment of a facility that will allow close proximity of many arts disciplines in one building. This capacity to coordinate children’s arts curriculum at a single location will expand TrICA’s education model beyond school-based programming and provide the opportunity to offer cross-disciplinary themed classes, performances and events.

For example, if a school class is learning about West African cultures, they would take a field trip to TrICA where they would hear a fable in the library told by an accomplished storyteller, cook African recipes in the culinary arts kitchen, view and analyze African art hung on the walls of our gallery, make their own artistic interpretation in the studio, and learn drumming techniques from a professional musician. They would end the experience with a performance and sharing of their work. An extended investigation such as this draws on student curiosity, provides sensory exploration, and expands the knowledge begun in the classroom.

In addition to providing a comprehensive arts education for children, TrICA will give teaching artists an "artistic home community." This will engender new collaborative projects that could not occur without proximity. At a unique time in history, as arts programs are being cut nationwide, TrICA has risen to the challenge, implementing a quality arts education program and facility in our community.