Programs at DAVA

DAVA’s programs are designed to provide young people with a high-quality arts education experience that grows with them over time. From early childhood through high school, students engage in rigorous, hands-on learning guided by innovative instructors and supported by professional materials and tools.

Our approach emphasizes artistic excellence, curiosity, and care. Youth are encouraged to explore, experiment, and develop their voices while building skills that support lifelong learning and creative leadership.

NOTE: Registration for all Programs for Winter 2026 must be done in person. We are in the process to move registration online.

A Continuum of Learning

DAVA offers a connected pathway of programs that reflect young people’s developmental stages and creative interests. Many students participate for multiple years, deepening relationships, skills, and confidence as they grow.

Family Arts

Ages 3 to 5

Family Arts introduces young children and their caregivers to the creative process through guided exploration with high-quality art materials. Classes are designed to support early learning, fine motor development, and imaginative thinking, while strengthening the bond between children and caregivers.

The studio environment encourages curiosity, collaboration, and joy, helping young learners build a strong foundation for future engagement in the arts.

Open Studio

Elementary School

Open Studio offers elementary-aged students an immersive studio experience after school and during the summer. Youth work with drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and interdisciplinary STEAM projects that connect art with science, technology, and design.

Students are guided by skilled teaching artists who encourage experimentation, persistence, and problem-solving. Projects are designed to be both technically challenging and personally meaningful, allowing each child to develop their skills at their own pace.

Job Training in the Arts and Technology

Middle School

Job Training treats creativity with purpose and professionalism. Middle school students participate in studio arts, digital media, and filmmaking programs that mirror real-world creative environments.

Youth learn to collaborate, meet expectations, manage projects, and present their work publicly. Through long-term, process-driven projects, students develop artistic skills alongside communication, teamwork, and responsibility that translate across academic and career paths.

Creative Action by Teens

High School

Creative Action by Teens offers advanced students the opportunity to work on ambitious design and media projects connected to real-world partners and community needs. Participants refine their artistic voice, technical abilities, and leadership skills while preparing for college, careers, and participation in the creative sector.

Students are encouraged to think critically, engage with complex ideas, and see themselves as contributors to Aurora’s cultural and creative landscape.

Instruction and Materials

Across all programs, DAVA prioritizes quality. Students work with professional-grade art supplies, advanced tools, and up-to-date technology. Instruction is led by innovative teaching artists who bring both technical expertise and a deep commitment to youth development.

This combination of materials, mentorship, and environment allows young people to take their work seriously, build pride in their process, and achieve a high level of artistic growth.

Film Program

DAVA’s Film Program is an integral part of our middle and high school pathways and provides youth with hands-on experience in storytelling, filmmaking, and media production.

Students engage in the full creative process, from developing ideas and scripts to filming, editing, and screening their work. Using professional equipment and industry-standard software, youth collaborate in production teams that mirror real-world film environments.

The Film Program emphasizes voice, collaboration, and discipline. Young filmmakers explore stories that matter to them and their communities while building technical skills, confidence, and creative leadership.

Youth films are regularly screened in the DAVA Gallery and shared at community events and partner venues, giving students authentic platforms for their work.

Exhibitions and Public Sharing

Exhibiting work is an essential part of learning at DAVA. Youth regularly share their projects in the DAVA Gallery and at community venues, gaining experience presenting their ideas and seeing their work valued in public settings.

These moments reinforce confidence, celebrate effort, and connect young artists to a broader creative community.

Growing With Purpose

DAVA’s programs are intentionally designed to evolve. Guided by youth input, community partnerships, and ongoing reflection, we continue to refine our offerings to meet the needs of young people and the city they call home.

We invite families, educators, artists, and partners to learn more about our programs and join us in supporting high-quality arts education for Aurora’s youth.