Dedicated space expands SPAC’s commitment to inclusive arts education and accessibility through support from the Dake Foundation for Children
Saratoga Springs, NY (May 13, 2026) — Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) today celebrated the opening of a new Sensory Room at its SPAC School of the Arts with a ribbon cutting ceremony alongside community partners, educators, and supporters. Made possible through a generous $15,000 grant from the Dake Foundation for Children, the new space reflects SPAC’s ongoing commitment to making the arts more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for individuals with varying needs.
“We believe the arts are a powerful force for connection, wellbeing, and belonging, and that every individual deserves access to meaningful creative experiences,” said Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “The opening of this new Sensory Room reflects our ongoing commitment to designing spaces and programs where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to fully participate in the arts. We are deeply grateful to the Dake Foundation for Children and our community partners for helping make this important next step possible.”
Located within SPAC School of the Arts, the Sensory Room is a calm, thoughtfully designed environment created to support individuals who may benefit from flexible sensory spaces. The room features dim lighting, balancing activities, sensory toys and tools, weighted lap pads, bean bag seating, tactile and visual manipulatives, and immersive sensory elements. Designed to support comfort, confidence, emotional regulation, and re-engagement, the space will serve participants across SPAC’s expanding arts education programs for children and adults.
The opening builds on SPAC School of the Arts’ designation as one of the only KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified locations in New York State and advances SPAC’s broader mission to expand access to transformative arts experiences for all members of the community.
“We are honored to support the creation of this new Sensory Room and SPAC’s continued commitment to inclusive arts education,” said Sarah Burns, Executive Director of the Dake Foundation for Children. “This space represents the power of thoughtful community investment and will provide meaningful support for children, families, and individuals for years to come. We are proud to partner with SPAC to create a place where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to participate.”
Originally envisioned as part of SPAC’s “All-Access Nights” program, which offers free inclusive arts classes for school-age students and their families, the sensory room evolved from temporary low-sensory spaces into a permanent resource that can serve multiple programs year-round. In addition to supporting All-Access Nights, the room will be utilized by programs including Arts & Parks Summer Camp, Creative Connections, and “Access the Arts,” SPAC’s weekly arts education initiative serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Capital Region.
The project was developed in collaboration with community and educational partners including SUNY Empire State University’s Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES), which has partnered with SPAC on program development, educator training, and impact evaluation. Additional community partners present for the ribbon cutting included AIM Services.
“Today is a reflection of what becomes possible when organizations and community partners come together around a shared commitment to access and inclusion,” said Dennis Moench, Vice President of Education at SPAC. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring this space to life and look forward to the many moments of creativity, connection, and joy that this room will help make possible for years to come.”
About SPAC Education
Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s education programs reach more than 60,000 individuals annually, offering over 1,500 classes and events while partnering with more than 150 schools and nonprofit organizations across the Saratoga, Adirondack, and Capital Regions of New York State. SPAC Education provides arts access to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds while prioritizing inclusion, equity, and accessibility through year-round programming in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
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Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its exquisite setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.
SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.
