Over $75,000 given to arts education in Catawba County, North Carolina, and beyond since 2016.
Hundreds of artists featured and compensated.
Thousands of lives impacted.
This is Hickory Playground.
Our Projects
Theater and Arts Festival
The original Hickory Playground. Held (almost) annually at the Drendel Auditorium at the SALT Block in Hickory, NC. The Hickory Playground Festival is a 48-Hour rush of creativity that brings together local talent to write, rehearse, block, and perform original plays and music in 48 hours.
One night only, every summer. All proceeds go directly to the Hickory Playground Public School Grants.
Visual Arts Gala
In collaboration with Executive Producer Fanjoy Labrenz Studio, Hickory Playground hosts Art Galas in Hickory, NC, to celebrate the immense talent of the entire region. Visual artists from near and far come to display and sell their art, and we have an art party with live music, hors d'oeuvres, and creative fellowship.
70% of each sale goes to the artist and 30% goes toward Hickory Playground Public School Grants.
Past Projects
During the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Hickory Playground recognized the inability to put on what would have been Hickory Playground 5. Instead, we launched Quarantine Diaries, an online celebration of the creative arts around the county, state, country, and the world.
We at Hickory Playground have had the honor and privilege to try out numerous creative ideas over the years. Take a look at the bottom of this page for more past projects.
Testimonials
I love my school, students, and program with all of my heart and we are a completely self-funded department. We receive no help in raising funds for our productions and are responsible for fundraising, grant applications, and more. In 2018, with [Hickory Playground] funds, we were able to pay for the rights and royalties to present “Cinderella.” Without this generous donation, we would have definitely been short in other aspects of the production. In 2019, was used to purchase set pieces and the rights and royalties for our production of “Shrek: the Musical.” This organization is a blessing to our program… it is great to know that someone outside of the four walls of our school cares about our students and their theatrical experiences. The Arts touches students’ lives in ways that are impossible to count. Many thanks to Hickory Playground for their support for the Arts and I hope that they can continue to help many schools in our area.
— Alison Andrews, Theatre Teacher, Catawba County Schools
Hickory Playground is a unique and inventive way to bring together creative people to support arts education in our community. As a Hickory resident I am always excited about attending the Playground each year as the process is innovative and fresh. As an arts educator, I am truly moved by the fiscal assistance the Playground provides to arts education programs throughout our community. Thank you Hickory Playground for what you create and what you give back to children in our community.
— Sally Ross, Orchestra Teacher, Hickory Public Schools
