The Tax Man Giveth

Good news from the tax man this year.

A new deduction for the Children’s Art Tax Credit (CATC), for the 2011 personal income taxed benefit return is available.

Similar to the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit that we all know and love, we will now be able to claim up to $500 for a wide range of activities such as arts and crafts, music lessons, Scouts and Girl Guides, drama, languages, and more. For a program to be eligible, it must run for a period of eight consecutive weeks, or five consecutive days, and have a minimum content requirement.

If you wish to take advantage of this new bonus, it’s not too late. Here are a few of our faves that meet the requirements:

Gymboree Play and Music is a popular place for tiny tikes up to five years old, with three locations offering both art and music classes. The classes will bring out your child’s creativity by exposing them to various mediums, including clay, collage, painting and sculpture, while the music classes introduce different rhythms and melodies using their best singing voices and musical instruments. Classes are available based on age, and start from $69 per month. We like the free class pass, so that you can try out a lesson before you buy, to ensure that this is the right program for your emerging Mozart or Monet.

Swinton’s Art Supply and Instruction is located at Fisher Street SE (near Chinook) and offers both weekly art lessons for children seven and up, and week-long themed camps in the summer. Classes are run by actual artists who are passionate about teaching children new skills, while ensuring that your petite painter will be proud of their finished work. Learning is individualized and set to their own pace, so that their interest remains high (choose from the two-hour class for $80, or the one-and-a-half hour classes for $75 plus GST, based on four weeks in the month).

The City of Calgary runs a comprehensive fine arts program at their North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres for children three and up. The studios hum with creativity, and there are courses ranging from cartoons and printmaking to 3D art projects. The instructors have plenty of experience, and provide a fun experience so that the kids will want to return each week. If they’re lucky, at the end of the class, their masterpiece may be chosen to take part in the annual art exhibition at the Triangle Gallery attached to the Town Hall. All classes include abundant supplies of materials and tend to book up quickly. Registration for the winter program commences on November 28, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Think of it as an investment in the arts. Then invest in a good latte for yourself while they’re in class. Tested by Fiona H., Calgary