Young Generations Coordinator

Arts for Learning WNY is proud to be an approved Arts in Education vendor with both Erie 1 BOCES and Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming (CAEW) BOCES, making it easier than ever for schools to bring high-quality arts programming to students through CoSer reimbursement. Through the BOCES Arts in Education CoSer, schools can support workshops, residencies, and performances that enrich instruction, deepen student engagement, and align directly with New York State Learning Standard

Our immersive Traveling the Erie Canal programming brings learning to life as students uncover the story, historical impact, and modern connections of our state’s most notable waterways.

We are currently seeking new board members who bring diverse experiences and perspectives. Arts for Learning WNY is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who believe deeply in the power of the arts to inspire learning, strengthen communities, and advance equity. Their leadership helps shape our vision and ensures we remain grounded in our mission.

Arts for Learning WNY is offering FREE school wellness assemblies to Buffalo Public Schools from February through June 2026!

Who says learning can’t be fun? At Arts for Learning WNY, we’re all about sparking creativity, imagination, and curiosity in WNY kids. Our Arts Integration Kits are the perfect way to do just that! Launched in 2025, these take-home kits bring hands-on arts activities and amazing picture books right to families in Buffalo. What are Arts Integration Kits? Think of these kits as a mini arts adventure you can do at home. Each one includes a carefully picked picture bo

This Fall 2025, Arts for Learning WNY launched two in-school residencies as part of our new Whole School Partnership with Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. This program brings professional Teaching Artists into classrooms to connect students with literature, visual art, and performance, fostering creativity, self-expression, and deeper learning.

This Fall, Teaching Artists Laura Chenault guided 14 students through photography, book arts, and mixed media projects, while Kristin Brandt worked with 18 students exploring sculpture. Each cohort spent 12-13 weeks crafting high-quality artwork while engaging in meaningful skill-building exercises. The ArtWorks Showcase offers the public a chance to experience these young artists’ accomplishments firsthand.

Children in rural communities often have fewer opportunities to explore the arts, even though creative experiences can be transformative for their growth, confidence, and learning. At Arts for Learning WNY, we’re committed to changing that - and that’s why we’ve been so excited to partner with the Springville Center for the Arts this Fall on our Arts Integrated Programming Initiative.

Thanks to the generous support of the Conable Family Foundation, The Wyoming Foundation, and other committed donors, Arts for Learning WNY is able to bring high-quality arts programming directly into Wyoming County schools, completely free of charge. Thanks to their support, every student - regardless of where they live or the economic challenges they face - can experience the transformative power of the arts.

Throughout our 63 years, Arts for Learning WNY has been a proud affiliate of the Young Audiences National network. As the leading network of arts in education organizations in the country, we use our shared expertise to advance learning through the arts across 31 regions in the United States. This October, I had the privilege of joining other affiliate Executive Directors from across the country at the National Office in New York City for our annual leadership council meeting

Did you know that Arts for Learning WNY is a prequalified partner with Buffalo Public Schools? We are honored to continue our long-standing collaboration with the largest school district in Western New York, reaching thousands of students each year through innovative, arts-integrated educational experiences. Together, we are helping students learn, create, and grow through the power of the arts.

Arts for Learning WNY has been a proud affiliate of the National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Network since our inception over 60 years ago. This incredible partnership ensures that our staff, board, and Teaching Artists remain connected to best-in-class practices in arts-integrated education, bringing these innovations to students and teachers across all eight counties of Western New York.

Looking for a creative way to connect art and literacy? Our Bookbinding workshop engages students in the hands-on process of designing and constructing their own books. Led by Teaching Artist Laura Chenault, this hands-on workshop introduces students to the art and craft of handmade books.

This fall, 36 high school students were accepted into our ArtWorks program - a paid, creative, arts-based training and college readiness program for high school students. Apprentices are hired as paid participants and mentored by professional Teaching Artists in a specific art form. Through this experience, students develop both artistic skills and transferable life and workforce skills that prepare them for success in college, careers, and beyond.

As the fall season settles in, I'm reflecting on the incredible young people who fill our classrooms and studios with creativity, curiosity, and hope. Among them is A’ishah, a high school student who joined our ArtWorks program last year, and whose story perfectly captures why your support matters so deeply.

As we look back on Fiscal Year 2024-2025, our hearts are full. Last year brought us incredible achievements and renewed energy for the future. A major highlight to conclude our fiscal year was our move to the Tri-Main Center, a vibrant space that represents growth and collaboration. It is more than just a new address; it signifies our commitment to inspiring creativity within our community.

On September 27th, we sadly lost Susan Levy, a cherished friend and longtime supporter of Arts for Learning WNY. As we share this remembrance today, we honor her remarkable dedication to the arts and her lasting impact on the young people and communities she served.

Last weekend, Arts for Learning WNY’s Board of Directors and key staff gathered for our annual retreat. This was more than just a routine meeting; it was a critical day filled with reflection, strategy, and collaboration.

This September, our Director of Programs, Allison Rabent, traveled to Denver, CO to attend the annual Arts Education Partnership (AEP) conference. Conference sessions explored innovative, data-driven strategies to strengthen arts integration across all core academic subjects.

Arts for Learning WNY is thrilled to partner with the Buffalo Public School Division of Student Support Services to bring free wellness assemblies to schools across the district. Together, we’re making sure students have access to creative, meaningful programming that supports both their personal growth and their school communities.