2022-2023 Impact Report
Dear Supporter,
It has been an exciting year for Arts for Learning WNY! We are continuing to see increases in in-person programming, serving 15,000 more students than last fiscal year. As the leading arts integrated education organization in Western New York providing innovative, equitable, and inclusive ways to infuse the arts into learning, we are thrilled to have reached nearly 50,000 youth and families this past year. The arts remain a critical creative outlet to promote healing and advance racial equity and social justice and Arts for Learning acts as a reliable connection to ensure schools, community-based organizations, and our community members have equitable access to the arts.
Your support ensures that 88% of our programming is at no cost to our partners, removing the financial barrier to an arts integrated education. We continue to strive to break down all barriers to access and engagement, including and beyond finances. Last year, our artists engaged in over 30 hours of training in classroom management, lesson plan modification for neurodiverse learners, and social justice practices and use these tools to ensure equitable practices in program facilitation, ultimately increasing belonging in the classroom.
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Our programs and Teaching Artists go beyond creating an inclusive environment that promotes belonging in the classroom though, they are also improving student academic success. The programs offered by Arts for Learning connect to curriculum standards in math, science, English, social studies, physical education, social emotional learning, and of course the arts. By using the arts as a tool for education in all subject areas, students begin to think more critically, classroom attendance improves, graduation rates increase, and students improve both problem solving and decision-making skills. As the landscape of education continues to change, Arts for Learning is uniquely positioned to continue to respond to the needs of both educators and students because of the transformational power of the arts.
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Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to grow and serve even more students next year! By continuing to empower local artists to teach and inspire young people and educators though new and meaningful creative arts experiences, Arts for Learning will have a sustainable impact on the landscape of education across Western New York for years to come.
Sincerely,
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Amelia Schrader
Executive Director
L​aura Douglas
Board of Directors, Chair
