MISSION 

ArtsConnection’s mission is to create socially just learning environments that strengthen the diverse voices of NYC’s children and youth, cultivating their arts and academic skills for success in a changing world. 

VALUES STATEMENT 

ArtsConnection believes its community of artists, staff and board play a unique role in modelling the humanity in all of us. We strive to create socially just learning environments that are reflective of and affirm the demographics of NYC Public Schools. We believe in the power of arts education to help young people and educators make creative choices and build skills that can contribute to multiple aspects of their lives, education, and work.

We respect all communities with which we work and strive for ongoing reflection on all forms of discrimination and oppression that can negatively affect the young people in our programs.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

For over 45 years, ArtsConnection has been recognized for our excellence in service to New York City and beyond.  As a pioneer in the arts education field in NYC, our work has enriched the lives of generations of young people, educators, schools, and communities.  Our research-based programs have received numerous awards, including several multi-year federal grants, along with state, local, and other national recognition.  Recent accolades include:

Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program

Genesis Inspiration Foundation Award

Crain’s New York Notable Black Leader 2024 – Rachel Watts, Executive Director

HISTORY 

Founded in 1979 to fill a widening gap in access to the arts in NYC public schools, ArtsConnection serves young people and the adults who work with them through the facilitation of arts education programs that inspire change and positively shift educational pathways for young people.  Over the years we have evolved from service provider to a full educational partner, recognized nationally for creating successful arts education opportunities.   

ALIGNED ACTIONS

We strive to achieve Socially Just Learning Environments through on-going practice, reflection and assessment in the following areas:

• Arts: providing and valuing a multiplicity of art forms and artistic genre from around the world.
• Schools and Classrooms: creating learning curricula, processes, and environments that recognize and include the diverse populations with which we work.
• Staffing: valuing multiple perspectives and seek to sustain a staff and artist roster that reflects the diversity of young people in New York City. Engaging with people from a diversity of experiences informs the work, and deepens learning for all involved.
• Community Partnerships: creating authentic and mutually beneficial relationships and collaborations.
• Work Environment: investing in the professional development of staff, artists and teachers in order to provide and high-quality programming and to ensure everyone can bring their full selves to the work.