Partnership in Action: Five Star Bank Helps Bring Arts Integration Kits to Families
- Arts for Learning
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
We are proud to cultivate partnerships that meaningfully support our mission. Our ongoing collaboration with Five Star Bank is a strong example of what that can look like in action.
We are fortunate to have Jason Desiderio, Chief Compliance Officer at Five Star Bank, serve on our Board of Directors, and the Five Star Bank team has supported our work in a variety of impactful ways. From providing financial support for our ArtWorks program to helping us build connections with partners across the region, their commitment has helped us grow and deepen our reach. Their employees have also generously shared expertise with our ArtWorks apprentices, offering professional development sessions on topics including financial literacy, human resources, and other essential workplace skills. These contributions ensure that our students are engaged both creatively and professionally, equipping them with tools for future success.
“Our partnership with Five Star Bank reflects what’s possible when a community-minded organization invests not only in our mission, but in the people we serve,” said Beth Ireland, Director of Development & Marketing. “From supporting ArtWorks to volunteering their time and sharing their expertise with our students, their team continues to show up in meaningful ways that truly make a difference.”
Most recently, in March, we were incredibly grateful to welcome a team of volunteers from Five Star Bank who helped us assemble more than 1,000 Arts Integration Kits. Their time and energy made a tremendous impact and came at just the right moment as we prepared for National Young Audiences Week - one of our busiest and most joyful times of sharing the arts throughout our community.
Thanks to their efforts, these kits were distributed to families at programs throughout the week, including Family ArtFest on April 11 and a series of free events hosted at local libraries during Spring Break Week. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this momentum, with the Five Star Bank team returning in May to help assemble even more kits that will be shared with families across the region this summer.
Our Arts Integration Kits are a cornerstone of our outreach work. These free resources are distributed regularly to families, providing opportunities to engage in meaningful, guided creative experiences at home. Each kit includes a culturally relevant children’s book, thoughtfully designed lesson plans that connect artistic exploration to the story, and all of the materials needed for hands-on art-making. Together, these elements encourage creativity, learning, and connection beyond the classroom.
We are deeply grateful for partners like Five Star Bank whose generosity, leadership, and hands-on involvement continue to expand access to the arts for all.
To learn more about our Arts Integration Kits and to see upcoming distribution sites, please visit our website: https://www.artsforlearningwny.org/artsintegration