Art for Progress’ arts education programs supplement and, in many cases, replace arts education programs that have been cut from New York City public schools due to lack of funding. Through our extensive network of working artists who have presented work at our many showcases and exhibits, we can find artists who are passionate about arts education and willing to teach at schools throughout New York City. Many of these artists share the same backgrounds as the youth they are teaching and have experienced first-hand the transformative power of art. Their personal experiences allow them to connect with students in a way that helps them genuinely believe in their ability to affect their community and the world at large through art. 

Additionally, youth who have participated in the program are now becoming members of our artist community and deciding to teach students currently enrolled in the program. These youth reflect the diversity in the schools they teach and embody the idea that “you have to see it, to be it” – inspiring the next generation of artists from the same communities from which they come. 

We offer afterschool programs as well as elective courses that are run during the regular school day in multiple genres, including music, visual arts, theater, and fashion design. Programs are structured and created to suit the needs of any organization, school, or community. Our current programs are:

● Elective Courses in Visual Arts, Music, Theater & Fashion Design – Art for Progress offers elective courses in many disciplines for our partner schools.

● Afterschool Programs – Art for Progress provides afterschool programs in various disciplines, including music, visual arts, fashion design, and more.

● Summer Arts Programs – An annual program funded by the Matisse Foundation which provides summer music and visual arts instruction for students interested in careers in the arts

● Young Adults Music Enrichment Program – The enrichment program is our long-running program for former students and others who have attended Art for Progress’ school programs. Art for Progress works with these students toward advancing their careers in music.

● Musical Instrument Loan Program – Art for Progress loans instruments to kids who don’t have funds to purchase their own instruments.

For more information, please email artseducation@artforprogress.org