Students rehearse for the Pat Graney Company's House of Mind performance. Photo by Tim Summers.
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.
The Youth Arts program most recently awarded $225,000 to 36 artists, cultural organizations and community-based organizations serving youth. The average award is $6,250. It's estimated the projects will engage 7,297 young people in 26,189 hours of after-school arts training throughout the city from September 2009 through September 2010.
Learn more about our efforts to advocate arts education for all students in Seattle Public Schools.