The City of Torrance announced an expanded City Academy of the Arts that began a soft launch this summer and will fully launch in the fall with expanded course offerings and career-path programs.

Catherine Kimball, Cultural Services Program Coordinator, told the council the Academy ran private lessons this summer in four public parks — Alta Loma, Greenwood, McMasters and Sea Air Golf Course — and will add intermediate and advanced courses in theater, art, music and dance at full launch.

“The Academy launches with a $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Friends of the City Academy of the Arts, Torrance, a new nonprofit organization developed to support the city academy’s goals,” Kimball said. The Academy will also offer career-path programs for museum preparators and theater technicians.

Officials directed residents to the city Cultural Services page for more information and course listings. The announcement was delivered during community services reports; no council action was required.