Statement Arts believes in the power of an integrated arts education to cultivate the next generation of leaders who can inspire social and cultural change. Our holistic approach supports young people and offers the space for them to find their voices and add their statements to the world.

Statement Arts (StART) was founded to address a tremendous need to connect young people from under-resourced communities in NYC to high quality performing arts education. In 2019, only 10% of high schools provided instruction in all four arts disciplines while only 37% of high schools had theater programs. Of these schools, only 24% had at least one part or full-time certified arts teacher. StART programs fill these major gaps in arts education and college guidance that plague the NYC public school system. Studies have shown that the arts enhance communication skills, self-expression, and confidence in students, thereby making them more prepared to succeed in college and their careers. Our vision is to help our students make new STATEMENTS about themselves and what is possible through the arts.

We offer several programs, but our staple program is called StART Dreaming. Designed for high school seniors, StART Dreaming begins with a four-week summer arts intensive program. Students receive instruction in acting, singing, writing, and dance, culminating in two final shows that are free and open to the public. StART Dreaming then follows students through their senior year, offering continued arts exposure, 1 to 1 mentoring for college applications, FAFSA and financial aid help, etc. StART Dreaming College Readiness has a 100% success rate in college admissions for all high school graduates. Most of our participants receive substantial scholarships.