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In Farmington Hills, Michigan, access to the arts is considered an essential service. In fact, City of Farmington Hills, a suburb just northwest of Detroit, has the largest dedicated municipal cultural arts division in Michigan, formed nearly 25 years ago with strong community support. The city’s cultural arts division, part of the special services department (parks and recreation), offers a wide range of arts programming — including classes, events and year-round live performances — to its diverse 83,000 residents and members of surrounding communities. The city creates original programming that appeals to community members of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
One of the most unique programs in Farmington Hills is Rock Around the Hawk, a free monthly drop-in program for preschool-aged children, 18 months to 5 years old, and their caregivers, designed to expose tiny concertgoers to music and art while celebrating famous music festivals from all over the world. Made possible in part through grant funding from the Farmington/Farmington Hills Foundation for Youth and Families, Rock Around the Hawk was recognized in its second year by the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association (mParks) as one of the most innovative recreational initiatives of 2023-2024 in the state.
Often the purpose of programming for preschoolers is to entertain and educate the child, without concern for the caregivers’ enjoyment; however, Rock Around the Hawk was conceptualized with the caregivers’ experience at the forefront. One Friday morning each month, Rock Around the Hawk transforms The Hawk Theatre into a magical, musical experience designed to captivate young minds and inspire caregivers’ inner child through crafting, music, dancing and more as they embark on a spirited celebration of the arts. Each themed session, ranging from tributes to historic musical festivals like Woodstock to exploration of Detroit’s iconic electronic music scene, offers an immersive blend of fun and learning, ensuring every visit is a memorable experience for both children and adults. By introducing children to the enriching world of art, music and dance at an early age, the program not only fosters creativity, but also lays the foundation for lifelong appreciation and understanding of the arts.
Farmington Hills prides itself on being a leader in parks and recreation, and Rock Around the Hawk exemplifies this commitment to excellence. Through initiatives like this, the city continues to push the boundaries of traditional programming, infusing creativity and innovation into every aspect of recreational opportunities.
Ellen Schnackel is Director of Special Services for the City of Farmington Hills, Michigan