arts programs
These arts-based programs inspire reflection, creativity, and community engagement through performance, visual art, and storytelling. Designed for schools, theaters, and cultural institutions, they connect historical understanding with contemporary expression.
Anne Frank Youth Expression Through Art Award
Celebrating Student Creativity and Historical Reflection
This annual national student art contest honors two exceptional young artists — one middle school student and one high school student — whose work embodies the enduring spirit of Anne Frank. Each winner will receive a $500 scholarship.
A National Contest with Local Roots
Though based in Columbia, SC, the Anne Frank Center is the Official Partner of the Anne Frank House for the United States and Canada. We actively engage the arts community throughout the year, and this contest is open to students nationwide.
Key Dates
Award Ceremony: February 9, 2026
Honorees Announced: Winners and honorable mentions for the Anne Frank Youth Expression Through Art Award will be revealed during the ceremony. Their artwork will be displayed in a gallery-style presentation.
Check back in Summer 2026 for information regarding the next entry of the Anne Frank Youth Expression Through Art Award!
Cast workshops
Bringing Anne Frank’s Story to Life on Stage
Are you working on a production of The Diary of Anne Frank or a theatrical piece that portrays Anne Frank’s legacy? The Anne Frank Center offers specialized cast workshops designed to deepen artistic understanding and historical authenticity for productions that honor her story.
What We Offer
Our workshops support theater companies, schools, and community groups staging Anne Frank-related works. We’ve proudly partnered with organizations such as Nashville Children’s Theatre, Lincoln Community Playhouse, and (upcoming 2026) Aiken Community Theatre to enrich their productions and connect cast members with Anne Frank’s enduring impact.
Workshop Curriculum
Each workshop is tailored to your cast’s needs and includes five immersive modules:
Module 1: Historical Context & Research — Explore the real-life events surrounding Anne Frank’s diary and deepen understanding of World War II and the Holocaust.
Module 2: Character Deep Dive — Examine the emotional and psychological dimensions of Anne and other characters to build authentic portrayals.
Module 3: Themes & Symbolism — Unpack the universal themes—hope, resilience, identity—and how they resonate in performance.
Module 4: Performance Technique & Authenticity — Refine acting choices with guidance on tone, gesture, and historical sensitivity.
Module 5: Engaging with Audiences — Learn how to foster meaningful dialogue with viewers and connect the story to today’s world.
Enhance Your Production
Workshops can be paired with our traveling exhibit, Anne Frank: A History for Today, offering a powerful visual and educational complement to your performance.
For any questions or bookings please reach out to Artistic Director, Mario Haynes at marioh@mailbox.sc.edu.
Special Event Collaborations
Grant-Funded Arts Programming That Honors History and Inspires Expression
Each year, the Anne Frank Center partners with artists, educators, and cultural institutions to present special event collaborations that explore Anne Frank’s legacy through the performing arts.
These programs are made possible through generous grant funding and long-standing relationships—most notably with the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation.
Current Collaborations
Our most recent initiative, funded by the Yaschik Foundation, is the transformative:
🎵 Raise Your Voice: Ensemble Performing Arts Workshop for Songwriters and Theatre Makers 🎵
This dynamic workshop invites high school and university students to explore the legacies of Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through music, theater, and storytelling. Participants engage with history and social justice through creative expression, building powerful connections between past and present.
Workshop Activities
Students choose a focus in songwriting or theatre, and work with professional artists to develop original performance pieces. Activities include:
Theatre and monologue writing
Songwriting and music composition
Scene work and storytelling
Dialogues on identity, injustice, and hope
Program Details
Workshop Dates:
December 5–7, 2025
January 16–18, 2026
Participants:
Open to high school and university students
2025 partner: Aiken High School and residents of Aiken County
Instructors:
Donald Sosin, Joanna Seaton, and Mario Haynes (Artistic Director)
Past Programs: Film, Music, & Memory
Thanks to the Yaschik Foundation, we’ve brought world-class performances to Columbia, SC, including “The City Without Jews” and “The Ancient Law”.
These restored archival films were presented with live original scores by Grammy Award-winning klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals (Klezmatics) and renowned silent film pianist Donald Sosin.
Performed at the W. Hootie Johnson Performance Hall at the Darla Moore School of Business (USC), these events immersed audiences in Jewish cultural expression while encouraging reflection on themes of exclusion, resilience, and identity.