Zorah Fung paints artwork for Macy’s windows as part of a Coyote Central youth arts project. Photo: © Jerry Satterlee.
Arts education helps kids become creative critical thinkers. Youth Arts is an annual funding program that makes a difference in the lives of Seattle middle and high school youth by providing arts education beyond the regular school day.
Funds and technical assistance from this program help experienced teaching artists lead training programs and projects in all arts disciplines—from visual arts to theater to dance and film. These programs give young people a chance to shine, to express themselves and to develop positive goals for the future. Youth Arts prioritizes youth or communities with limited or no access to the arts. Funding awards range up to $10,000.
In 2007, the Youth Arts program awarded $190,000 to 28 artists, cultural organizations and community-based organizations serving youth. Half of the projects featured artists of color and/or culturally themed projects. More than one-third of the recipients were first-time applicants. A few of the projects will finish in 2008. When complete, Youth Arts will have mobilized 203 teaching artists and 35,594 hours of training to 2,473 young people at sites throughout the city.