Participants at the Reel Grrls VJ Workshop document their fellow students. Reel Grrls is a 2009 Youth Art partner. Photo by Andrea Horns.
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 for projects that will take place between September 2009 and September 2010.
The Youth Arts program awarded $225,000 to 31 artists, cultural organizations and community-based organizations serving youth from September 2008 to September 2009. It's estimated the projects will engage 324 teaching artists who will offer nearly 15,000 hours of training to 2,586 youth in neighborhoods throughout the city.
Learn more about our efforts to advocate arts education for all students in Seattle Public Schools.