The Institute of the Arts celebrated 75 years of service to the community with a new name and a new look. As of July 4, 2009 Institute is "The Yocum Institute for Arts Education." The name change honors long-time donor, board member and community philanthropist, James H. Yocum, whose philanthropic focus is education. The name further defines the Institute's core mission of arts education and the future direction of "Making the Arts Make a Difference".

The Yocum Institute for Arts Education remains a pillar in the artistic and educational community of BerksCounty; maintaining partnerships with multiple community organizations, providing scholarships, outreach services and the Neighborhood Bridges program for pre-k through high school age students.

The Institute offers onsite-ongoing classes in the Visual Arts, Dance, Music and Theater including; Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media; Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Salsa, Hip Hop; Voice, Jazz Composition, String, Percussive, Brass and Wind Instruments; and Acting,  Scene Study, Improvisation, Sketch Comedy and much more.  Use the links above to explore and feel free to call us at (610) 376-1576 with any questions you have about our programs.

The Institute Presents hosted by Elaine Soltis on the First Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM or click link here!