In response to the need for arts instruction in their public schools, The University of California?s Irvine campus developed the first ArtsBridge program in 1996. In 1997, California?s Department of Education called for an educational renaissance to revive artistic achievement in their schools.

The following year, the state legislature perceived the strength of the ArtsBridge model and the potential of the 8 UC campuses to contribute to this desired renaissance in arts education. Funding was allocated to develop the program across the state. In the academic year of 1999-2000 UC ArtsBridge provided high quality arts education to 23,922 public school children in 267 schools across the state of California.

ArtsBridge continues to fill the need for arts instruction for youth across the country, and starting this year, is a successful program at the University of Utah.