About TRICA

OUR MISSION

TRICA provides meaningful experiences in the arts taught by outstanding and loving educators, inspiring the children of the Treasure Valley to develop attitudes and values contributing to a stronger sense of community, humanity, and good will.

Our History - 28 Years of Celebrating!

Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, at age 13 Jon Swarthout began studying dance and theatre,  eventually moving in high school to attend the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Houston Ballet Academy.  His goal was always to return home and in 1996 he did just that. He started “Dance Rascals” working with students ages 2-12 developing local programming and dance methods specific to that age group. In 2003, feeling he needed to expand his dance education training and being inspired by legendary dancer/educator Jacques D’Amboise, Jon enrolled in the National Dance Institutes teacher training. Jon then brought NDI methods that help children believe in themselves, value artistic expression, and develop a personal standard of excellence, back to Boise. In 2004 Jon moved “Dance Rascals” under the umbrella of TRICA, the Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Arts, a multi-disciplinary arts education program that has touched thousands of lives. 

By 2005, TRICA had been working consistently with Treasure Valley Schools and had grown into an established summer dance program. However, Jon knew that in order for TRICA to grow, the company would need a permanent home.  So after two years of negotiations, he acquired a Romanesque-Baroque stone cathedral in 2007 and embarked upon the dream of transforming it into a children’s center for learning through the arts. The Immanuel Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1907 for a large, active Boise congregation who worshipped together for decades. It served as a gathering place for people in the North End and across the City of Boise. It eventually fell into disrepair and became the site of illegal activity. Many neighbors still remember it as an unsafe nuisance property. It was listed as one of the “Top 10 Most Endangered and Threatened Historic Sites in the State of Idaho.” Now, Fourteen years, 7.5 million dollars and  2,500 + donations from foundations, corporations and individuals later, the doors opened on TRICA’s new home. 

This electrifying space is a place for children to soar to new heights.  It is a place where they feel engergized and creative and at the same time loved and safe. TRICA's programs include a Pre-School for the Arts, Summer Arts Camps for students ages 3-9, Capture the Castle, our after-school programming and various in-school opportunities. In addition, since opening in 2021, we have hosted professional arts organizations, weddings, church services and other community events.

Over the last 28 years, TRICA has impacted more than 80,000 children and families in Idaho, enriching and inspiring individuals, educational organizations, and community partners. 

Awards & Accolades

In 2019, Jon Swarthout & TRICA received a “2019 Good Neighbor Award” from the Boise Mayor and TRICA was designated as a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by The Great Nonprofits organization. The historic venue has received several accolades to note: in 2021, TRICA received ‘Best Overall’ Building Excellence Award from the City of Boise, and in 2022, Idaho Business Review named TRICA “Project of the Year.”

How does the TRICA Building Fit into the North End Neighborhood Plan?

TRICA is adding creativity and vibrancy in the heart of the urban Hyde Park Neighborhood as a center of learning through the arts. The building is a pedestrian-friendly, bikeable destination, easily accessed with public transportation. Attendees are encouraged to leave their car at home. The campus features (8) parking spaces at the rear, including a handicap-accessible space as well as room for a large van to transport TRICA students. TRICA’s Founder Jon Swarthout was invited to serve on the committee for the North End Neighborhood plan. The two key areas TRICA is expected to contribute the most are Placemaking and Community Engagement.

How can I help?

Please help spread the word about TRICA and its programs. Make a financial contribution. Watch for volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, we’d love to answer them! Reach out to us directly: email info@trica.org or call 208-344-2220.

DEIA Statement: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

At TRICA, we are committed to creating an environment that honors the humanity of all people. Our work with the very youngest members of society occurs before discrimination ever has a chance to take root. Children care little about how people look--they care most about how they're treated and made to feel. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide our work. Placing DEIA at the center of our engagement with children, families, schools, artists, and partnerships local and worldwide is essential to the vitality and integrity of TRICA'S work and to the achievement of our core mission. We acknowledge the patterns of racism and other forms of discrimination and oppression that harm our students and communities. We are committed to dismantling these patterns and to critical examination of the ways in which equity is fostered or hindered in our teaching practices, artistic production, administrative processes, and organizational culture. TRICA is an equal opportunity employer actively working toward creating an ever more just and inclusive environment for the important work we do.

TRICA prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment, application for employment, promotion or provision of services.