hands-on experience in
the arts
Tri-District Arts Consortium | Rising 6-9th Graders
Lexington One, Lexington-Richland Five and Richland Two
Hosted by the Palmetto Center of the Arts at Richland Northeast High School
June 9 - 27, 2025
Each day is filled with classes, events, and guest artists, as well as off-campus field studies, all combining for an exciting summer program.
An outstanding staff of public school teachers, college professors, and community artists plan and carry out the three-week program.
The coordinating teacher and instructors in each art area write the curriculum and teach classes, direct, conduct, etc. Specialists are invited to share their art and personal experiences with the students.
Special guest artists teach classes, interact with the students, and share personal experiences.
Guests have included renowned metal sculptor, Bob Doster of Lancaster; William Starrett, Artistic and Executive Director and Principal Choreographer of Columbia City Ballet, Mariclaire Miranda, Ballet Mistress and former Prima Ballerina of Columbia City Ballet; Claudia Gray, writer of multiple YA novels under the pseudonym Amy Vincent (Evernight Series, Firebird trilogy) as well as authoring several Star Wars novels; Nicola Waldron, recipient of the prestigious U.K.’s Bridport Prize for Poetry; The Columbia Rat Pack comprised of Greg Boatwright, Kevin Bush, Terrance Henderson, Jason Stokes); The Dick Goodwin Jazz Quintet; Katie Gatch, Opera singer; and Boomtown Trio, with bass player Craig Butterfield, champion fiddler Kristen Harris, and vocalist Cat Galan.
Student Artist Selection
Admission to Tri-DAC is a three-step process, including nomination, application and audition. Teachers and/or parents may nominate a student. Once parents receive notification of their child's nomination, they must apply online through their school district's website.
Nominations open in November of each school year, and auditions are held in March. A panel of three judges in each area – creative writing, dance, theatre, visual art, band, strings, vocal – select students to attend the program.
Requirements vary depending on the art area, but will include either performance, improvisation, sight reading, portfolio and on-the-spot drawing or writing, and personal interview. Competition is keen.
