Mission

Our mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment.

Activities

The Arts Program offers a wide selection of creative arts opportunities including dance, music, theatre, visual and literary arts.

It runs on a three-block (or semester) cycle, offering a new selection of courses each summer, fall and winter. Each semester offers a wide range of programs that include "open" drop-in classes and "closed" intensive classes. You can participate at a level that fits your needs, interests and availability! Activities are held five days a week and are project-based to encourage active participation in developing, creating and executing an artistic idea from start to finish.

There are NUMEROUS opportunities to showcase talents on site at open mic nights, spoken word sets and a final performance week held at the close of each semester. Through support of an expanding network of external partnerships, you can perform in various live art festivals, parades, schools and other community-based organizations throughout New York City. Non-performers can also gain production experience in the technical arts, including lighting, sound, costuming and marketing. Collaboration remains a key component of our Arts Program, as we constantly strive to improve and deepen the creative experience for all those involved.

We have creative arts opportunities in the following areas:
Literary Arts: poetry, songwriting, hip-hop lyricism
Visual Arts: graphic design, videography, printmaking & crafting, sewing & design, cinema therapy, open art studio
Theater: hocus pocus (magic performance), queer youth theater
Dance & Movement: contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, ballet, yoga, step, vogueing
Music: glee club, lyrical masterminds, audio production, DJing, percussion & drum circle, guitar & bass, industry awareness