“I loved the photography workshop. I never knew a self-portrait could mean something more than just a face.” 4th grader
“Art means that I can be creative and express my feelings. It means that I can do anything” 5th grader
Founded in 1973, Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania (YA) is a leading arts in education non-profit for children, providing teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, as well as teacher professional learning programs to schools in every county in New Jersey and the seven easternmost counties in Pennsylvania. From 2017 to 2020 Young Audiences partnered with 118 schools in South Jersey alone.
Michele Russo, President and CEO of YA, and the 13 staff work to collaborate with area artists and schools to deliver impactful programs that offer joy, creativity, problem-solving skills, and more.
In 2020, Young Audiences began working to serve more children in South Jersey. One step was to partner with the Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) to invest a portion of its endowment fund, which was built during YA’s 40th Anniversary capital campaign, and further bolstered by a generous bequest. This partnership deepens Young Audiences’ connections and relationships in the South Jersey region. YA recognized the unique connections CFSJ has built in the community and values investment in the communities they serve. Together, YA and CFSJ hope to build a stronger, broader-reaching impact on students and schools in Southern NJ.
“YA excels at serving its mission of arts as a developmental asset for young people. CFSJ serves its mission to inspire generosity and use philanthropy as a tool to support nonprofit partners,” said Andy Fraizer, Director of CFSJ. “This partnership connected the best of both organizations to invest in YA’s impact and help foster a creative environment for children in schools all around Southern New Jersey.”
“In Spring 2020 when all of our programs were canceled, we were able to compensate all of our staff members and committed artists through the end of the school year and continue to work collaboratively with our artists as we transitioned to virtual events. This was possible for YA because of our financial investments, and the generosity of our partners and supporters,” Michele Russo shared. “Working virtually allowed children to expand their creativity and hone their skills and passions. We are looking forward to continuing fundraising together to reach even more children especially at a time that is so challenging for students”
“Working with the Community Foundation of South Jersey has been everything we hoped for. When we approached them after receiving a large bequest from a longtime donor, CFSJ laid out attractive options that aligned with our mission,” said Gil Blitz, YA Trustee. “Once we aligned our vision for this investment, we knew the Foundation would be the perfect partner to help us connect throughout Southern New Jersey.”
Based in Princeton, Young Audiences strives to create spaces that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. YA is committed to providing students of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences with arts education in which their creativity, cultures, abilities, and identities are validated, included, and nurtured. Its programs are accessible to all socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, and geographic communities, and are designed to strengthen the arts in schools, meet local and state curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life.