Art Programs For 5,000 In-Need New York Children

We hope you had a wonderful summer and are enjoying the start to fall!

We are so excited to be back in the classroom bringing artistic opportunities over several disciplines to the children of New York City!

Programming Preview and Updates

1. Our Artistic Residency Program continues to grow as we are expected to provide over 420 in-person workshops between our school partners PS15, PS19, PS163, New Alternatives for Children (NAC), Williamsburg High School of Arts and Tech, Corlears School, Weeksville Elementary and Renaissance Charter School 1 in Jackson Heights.
2. This year, we are en route to surpass 570 in-person workshops between our school partners PS15, PS76, PS163, PS194, and both of our Renaissance Charter School locations in Elmhurst and Jackson Heights through our Literacy Through the Arts Program! We are also excited to bring on our newest school partner PS155: William Paca School located in East Harlem! 
3. Arts For All's initiative to provide bilingual programming into some of our in-person programs continues to flourish. Our roster includes several Teaching Artists who are fluent in Spanish as well as several other languages to help address any communication gaps that may be present within our workshops. Be sure to check out our Virtual Classroom for bilingual activities as well!
4. Since our partnership with the Corlears School began in Fall 2021, we've been having great success in offering this in-person weekend program through their Learn. Play. Grow. initiative. This year, Teaching Artists Nicole Hogsett and Kalyani Singh will lead theatre and movement based programs with young children on Saturdays through this fabulous program working to create greater access and equity in the community.

Core Values Assessment Summary

In School Year 2024-25, we saw high levels of growth in our five Core Values, based on data taken from across our programs. On average, we recorded students increasing 25% in Self-Expression, 36% in Self-Confidence, 43% in Creativity, 33% in Teamwork, and 40% in Resilience.

What's New In Our Virtual Classroom?

This summer we premiered our latest Literacy Through the Arts video series titled Arts For All: Behind the Artist! Hosted by AFA's Program Manager and fellow teaching artist Angel Hermosillo, this video series features eight of our Teaching Artists as they discuss how art helps them stay connected to their culture and background. Watch this series via our Virtual Classroom.

A Colorful Evening

Thank you to all who attended our Paint Night Fundraiser on Saturday, October 4th! It was wonderful to see everyone and to share a fun painting experience while supporting the arts!