Poly Arts for Youth (PAFY) is Cal Poly Arts’ education enrichment program for K-12 students. Our world-class touring artists engage directly with children in their own schools allowing for rich cultural and artistic workshop experiences that extend the performing arts beyond the stage. PAFY is vital because students who have access to arts education have better grade point averages, score better on standardized tests in reading and math and have lower dropout rates.
In the 2025-2026 season, PAFY hosted 8 artists for 10 in-person events, serving more than 2,000 K-12 students in their own schools.
Are you a K-12 Educator in the San Luis Obispo or Northern Santa Barbara County?
Do you think your students would benefit from a professional artist coming to your classroom?
Keep scrolling to see some of the incredible artists coming to California’s Central Coast this season
and click on an event to learn how you can make these experiences a reality for your school!
POLY ARTS FOR YOUTH 2025/26 SEASON RECAP
Jake Shimabukuro performed for Bishops Peak Elementary students, many of whom were learning the ukulele. Along with sharing Hawaiian music and culture, he encouraged students to “be humble, be gracious, and be kind.”
The Story Pirates engaged students at Nipomo Elementary with a fully improvised performance that incorporated student ideas and invited them into the storytelling process.
Acclaimed Spanish guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas performed for migrant students in Santa Maria’s Saturday school program. Through a bilingual presentation, he shared his family’s farming background and emphasized perseverance and pursuing one’s dreams.
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico de Rio Grande presented assemblies at El Camino Junior High and Bonita Elementary, reaching more than 750 students while celebrating Mexican music, dance, and traditions.
The String Queens performed for Cayucos Elementary students, highlighting Black History Month and encouraging students to enjoy music through dance and participation in a relaxed environment.
Cirque Kalabanté captivated more than 650 students at Grover Heights and Pacheco Elementary Schools with acrobatics, music, and drumming inspired by the traditions of Guinea, Africa.
Kattam and His Tam Tams led hands-on drumming workshops at San Benito Elementary, introducing rhythms from around the world including Puerto Rico, the middle east and Morrocco.
Kishi Bashi concluded the season with a lecture-demonstration at Atascadero High School, showcasing looping technology. He gave students the opportunity to ask questions about being a professional musician and invited students to gather close for an interactive look at his looping pedals.
If you think a program such as these would be a good fit for your students and school, please sign up to receive our educator communications. You will be notified as soon as the new season of programs are announced as well as additional resources and performance opportunities for you and your students.
Please be aware, workshop availability is based on a variety of factors including artist availability and venue requirements. Thank you!
Thanks to our generous donors, these programs are available at no cost to the schools.
Program Sponsors
Ann Robinson
For more information on how to support these artist engagement opportunities for students, contact Maria Taylor at mtaylo83@calpoly.edu