During the summer months, a week doesn't go by without a community orchestra or chamber ensemble playing outdoors for free. Besides actual performances, many other exciting things are happening in Madison related to the arts. In spring 1996, the Monroe Street Arts Center opened on the near West Side. Serving both children as young as 4 and adults, the nonprofit operation is offering classes in everything from t'ai chi exercise to photography, music and art. Private and group classes are available.
Some services are natural extensions of the arts.
Theater Bus was founded in '76 to make the area's cultural events more accessible to adults 60 and older. For a fee, it provides transportation and tickets to many performances. While we couldn't include everything in this chapter, we hope to give visitors and residents alike a feel for just how strong the arts pulse is in and around Madison. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Madison WI 53709. Also, for more information on the literary arts, see our Literary Scene chapter.