FLIGHT PROGRAMS

FLIGHT PROGRAMS. Flight programs in Dubuque were a pilot project in Iowa and perhaps the United States to introduce children and older citizens to the arts. Started for fourth graders in 1972, the program was originally funded by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council. Sponsoring agencies for the Flight 60 programs included the DUBUQUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Dubuque University Women, BARN COMMUNITY THEATER, Project Concern, Senior Citizens Center and the TRI-COLLEGES. Continued financing by the Arts Council and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts allowed the program to expand to include fifth graders and senior citizens.

The fourth grade part of the project gave students a bus tour of historically and architecturally important sites in Dubuque, and an opportunity to see a play, attend a musical concert, and participate in an art workshop exhibit. Fifth graders toured the HAM HOUSE, attended a vocal concert by the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE Singers, and listened to a band concert by the STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL band.

Flight 60 offered a play at one of the local colleges or the Barn Community Theater, the historical tour, and one free art exhibit. When grant monies ended, the cost of the program (including supplies, transportation, and reimbursement to participating college, theater, and historical groups) was handled briefly by the Dubuque city government.