Interlochen Center for the Arts

Interlochen Center for the Arts is a globally recognized institution dedicated to the arts, located in northwest Michigan. Founded in 1928 by Joseph E. Maddy and Thaddeus P. Giddings, Interlochen began as the National High School Orchestra Camp, with the aim of bringing together the nation's most talented high school musicians. The founders were inspired by the success of the National High School Orchestra, which Maddy had conducted at the Music Supervisors National Conference in Detroit, Michigan, in the late 1920s. The first camp was held on June 24, 1928, with 115 students from across the United States attending the inaugural season. The camp quickly gained national recognition, especially through its nationwide broadcasts of Sunday evening orchestra concerts over the CBS and NBC radio networks starting in 1930. Despite financial struggles during the Great Depression, the camp survived thanks to the support of musicians, private donors, and music publishers. As the camp's reputation grew, so did its offerings. By 1940, Interlochen had expanded its curriculum to include theatre, visual arts, and dance, and in 1976, creative writing was added. Filmmaking joined the curriculum in 2005. Reflecting its diverse artistic programs, the camp changed its name to Interlochen Arts Camp in 1991. In 1962, Interlochen Arts Academy was established as the nation's first independent boarding school for the arts. The academy has since become known for its excellence in arts and academics, producing more Presidential Scholars than any other school in the nation. Interlochen also has a significant presence in public radio. In 1963, it launched WIAA, an FM radio station that became a founding member of National Public Radio in 1971. Today, Interlochen Public Radio continues to broadcast performances and provide comprehensive news coverage. The Interlochen Arts Festival, which began in 1961 following a benefit concert by pianist Van Cliburn, has grown into a summer-long series featuring performances by renowned artists. The festival attracts visitors from across Michigan and beyond, while also generating scholarship funds. In 2004, the Interlochen College of Creative Arts was founded to extend arts education to adult learners. The college offers a wide range of programs in various arts disciplines and provides continuing education opportunities for K-12 educators. Interlochen Center for the Arts continues to foster growth and transformation in young artists, with a commitment to nurturing their artistic and personal development. The institution's faculty and staff, many of whom are practicing artists, provide mentorship and inspiration to students. The strong sense of community at Interlochen creates lifelong connections among generations of artists, with alumni remaining closely tied to their peers and the institution. As Interlochen approaches its centennial, it has outlined a strategic plan, Vision 2028, to guide its future growth. This plan is built upon four pillars: The Young Artist Destination, The Formative Experience, One Interlochen, and Student Value Investments, ensuring the institution's continued leadership in arts education.