About the Program
Why Arts for Children and Youth- Based on a national sample of 25,000 students, those with high levels of arts learning experiences earned higher grades and scored better on standardized tests than those with little or no involvement in the arts, regardless of socioeconomic status. (Champions of Change: The Impact of Arts and Learning, Arts Education Partnership, President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, 1999)
- A three-year study of arts-based delinquency prevention programs in three sites showed that at-risk youths’ participation in arts programs improved their attitudes, behavior, and academic performance; decreased delinquent behavior; and increased communications. (YouthARTS Development Project, US Department of Justice, National Endowment for the Arts, Americans for the Arts, 1996-1999)
Why Arts Organizations Working with Children and Youth Need More Support
The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the state's arts agency, had its fiscal year 2003 budget cut by 62 percent, from $19.1 million to $7.3 million. This was the largest percentage cut of any agency in Massachusetts and any state arts agency in the country. While funding in 2007 rebounded to $12.3 million, it is still only 64 percent of its funding level in 2002.
Giving USA, a nonprofit group that studies philanthropy, states that in 2005 donations to cultural groups accounted for 5.2 percent of US individual philanthropy, down from 8.1 percent a decade before. (The Wall Street Journal, October 14, 2006)
Our ProgramART
Works for Kids supports approximately 30 small arts organizations that have a significant impact in their communities. Due to funding cuts and national philanthropic trends, many still do not have stable financial support. We believe these ARTWorks for Kids’ coalition members will become more sustainable through our three-pronged program strategy to:
1. build a coalition of youth arts organizations;
2. increase their major donor base; and
3. with increased philanthropic and community support, advocate for public youth arts funding.
The coalition has strengthened the network of small youth arts organizations in eastern Massachusetts. They have successfully come together through retreats offering technical assistance, peer-led coalition working groups, collaboratively-designed showcases, and joint programming. To achieve the second program goal, we launched major donor fundraising efforts with an annual event called "Blooming Art." In collaboration with coalition members, we created a showcase for their work and provided a pool of matching funds as incentive for donors to give major gifts. Together, the organizations have raised $5 million at four events.
We have now shifted our emphasis to advocating for public youth arts funding. By engaging community partners on all levels, we aim to secure sustainable funding from private and public sources to create stronger organizations, and in turn, better serve kids.
The ARTWorks for Kids' Coalition
• Our 30 coalition organizations serve more than 275,000 kids, providing crucial access and support to arts of all kinds.
• Eighty percent of our grantees are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and nearly a third have been recognized with nominations for Coming Up Taller Awards, bestowed annually by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
• Forty percent of coalition members work with special populations, such as incarcerated youth, kids with mental illness, victims of domestic violence, and English language learners.
• Ninety percent of graduating seniors from coalition programs enrolled in college in 2006.
Additional Resources
Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences and Humanities
Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston
Americans for the Arts
