Recently we were able to connect with an awesome nonprofit organization called ProjectArt. Based in New York City, ProjectArt partners with NYC branch libraries to bring high-quality arts education programs to youth across the city. With their focus on innovation and cost-effectiveness, ProjectArt is one of those “dream partners” libraries everywhere wish for! We encourage you to explore their website and learn more about their efforts. ~ Laura
Please note: the coordinators of ProjectArt are looking for an evaluation tool that will help them evaluate the impact of the fine arts classes that they coordinate in libraries. If you have used or know of an evaluation tool that might apply to ProjectArt’s work, please let them know! You can connect with them on Twitter at @ProjectArtNYC
Feature brought to you by Charlotte Vari and Clare Yaghjian of ProjectArt
ProjectArt is an NYC arts education nonprofit whose purpose is to unleash the power of creativity in every child and change the way the world values arts education. We address the arts education crisis for youth in a highly innovative, collaborative, and cost-effective way, using a unique public library-partnerships model to bring arts access directly to youth. Our classes provide a platform for them to set goals, express their artistic visions, and display their art in celebrated art galleries – all at no cost to the students. As public libraries across the nation battle budget cuts and struggle to provide resources for their patrons, ProjectArt addresses the programming void by providing quality arts education. In consultation with library branch managers, we identify branches with the greatest need, then make site visits, hire teachers, build curriculum, procure supplies, and hold year-round classes. We offer fine arts classes for students aged 4-17 that include drawing, painting, collage and sculpture.
Classrooms in public libraries are a great resource because they are already strategically placed in the city for maximum accessibility, have fully functioning infrastructures and, because of long-established roots in the community, have a natural constituency of children, youth and families around each branch.
New York City is home to three different library systems with a total of 209 branches across the five boroughs. By partnering with all three systems, ProjectArt is able to bring arts education to students who have been denied access through the public school system. Starting in one branch last year, we are now in fourteen branches in four boroughs with a goal of 30 locations by 2016.
Learn more at ProjectArt.org
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http://projectart.org/our-story/

 Adarsh founded ProjectArt because he truly believe that art saves lives. Expelled from school when he was just seven years old for drawing in class, his parents put him in a different school, and by the time he was fifteen, he was painting portraits for Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela and the Pope, all because one art teacher perceived his passion for art, encouraged my aptitude and believed in me. Adarsh also started performing in academics. Art opened new doors and helped him work through setbacks as a young adult. Having moved to New York City and living in Harlem and he wanted to make sure that the youth in the neighborhood too have the opportunities that will help them work through their personal challenges, stay in school, while giving them an outlet to express themselves creatively and constructively.

 In 2011, with little more than a bag full of art supplies and borrowed office space in Harlem, Adarsh began ProjectArt. There was one goal and one goal only: to put paintbrushes in the hands of as many children that don’t have adequate access to arts education. Soon, friends became teachers, parents became volunteers and kids became students. Over the last three years, with the help of hundreds of people who have donated their time, money and resources, we have created a model of change that can confront the arts education crisis, impact youth on large scale while keeping our costs low. The resulting model is infinitely scalable, while spurring excitement at one of our nation’s oldest institutions, its libraries. One of the incredible things about this journey has been the inspiring and generous people that we have had the good fortune of working with. Having started with very little, we have been lucky to have met and continually surprised by the generosity of others.