Dear Friends of Arts for Learning WNY,

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As we reflect on Fiscal Year 2025-2026, we are inspired by the incredible impact that arts-integrated learning continues to have on young people throughout Western New York. Whether in classrooms and community spaces or at home, students are discovering new ways to learn, create, and grow through the arts.

 

This year, our Teaching Artists have partnered with educators to explore math, science, social studies, and English language arts with more than 28,000 students across 58 schools. By using the arts to teach challenging concepts like geometry, students are introduced to creative approaches that make learning more engaging and accessible. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by difficult material, they gain confidence through hands-on experiences. It is no surprise that many students tell us an Arts for Learning residency is their favorite part of the school year.

 

One program that brings our approach to life is our fourth grade Traveling the Erie Canal residency. Over several days, students travel back in time to experience life along the early Erie Canal. They dress in period clothing, sing historical songs, examine authentic artifacts, and take on the role of journalists writing newspaper articles to report the latest canal news. These immersive experiences strengthen social studies and English language arts skills while encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and creative problem solving.

 

Our commitment to learning also extends beyond the school day. This year, Arts for Learning distributed more than 3,000 literacy-based Arts Integration Kits to families from all around the City of Buffalo. Each kit included a picture book, art supplies, and easy-to-follow activities that encouraged families to read, create, and learn together at home. By bringing arts-integrated learning into everyday life, we helped strengthen literacy while creating meaningful opportunities for families to connect.

 

Each one of these experiences is made possible by supporters like you. For years, Arts for Learning has been a trusted partner to schools, teachers, and families across Western New York. That trust is something we value deeply and strive to renew every day. Your generosity allows us to provide high-quality arts-integrated learning opportunities in classrooms, libraries, community centers, and homes across our region.

 

Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with us this year. As we look ahead to the coming school year, we hope you will continue to invest in the power of arts-integrated education. Together, we can ensure that even more students across Western New York experience the joy of learning through the arts, building the curiosity, confidence, and creativity that will stay with them for a lifetime.

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With Appreciation,