Artistic Advancement - Student Arts Foundation, Inc

About Us

WHO WE ARE, & WHAT WE DO

STUDENT ARTS FOUNDATION is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization established to support the educational and artistic advancement of all students. We provide resourceful guidance and aid to students that are passionate about the arts, in hopes of developing their knowledge and creative talents to pursue higher education and career opportunities.

Our Vision

Arts for all

Rochester is widely recognized as a center for the arts in upstate New York, rich in visual and performing arts venues and organizations. Many offer a host of experiential learning opportunities for students of all ages. Too often, they are not readily accessible to everyone in our community. Programs frequently fail to reach a larger and diverse audience, and many students remain unaware of and unable to reasonably access extracurricular options available within their areas of interest.

As members of the Rochester community and former arts students, we recognize the need to build equity within the arts from an early age, with a particular focus on empowering and uplifting students from traditionally underrepresented communities in our city.

Our Purpose

THE WHY BEHIND WHAT WE DO

The National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) has estimated that 85% of public schools in the United States offer some level of art instruction. Although this sounds like a passing grade, there lies an equity gap between low-poverty schools and high-poverty schools. Art students who are economically disadvantaged are not offered the same enrichment experiences as affluent suburban art students. This gap widens when we look at access to educational resources, availability of arts instruction, accurate historical references, diverse course offerings, and course content. Historical art contributions from Asia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica and the Americas are of significant importance, yet our schools continue to uplift a Euro-centric role of art appreciation. This equity gap denies children of color insight to see themselves in a rich historical narrative. Current educational art practices in schools continue the perpetuation of inaccurate and incomplete art education nationwide, limiting possibilities for a truly honest learning experience.

Our Support

How we help

We understand the challenges of economically disadvantaged households and how underrepresented communities don't always have access to art programs due to social and economic circumstances. That's why Student Arts Foundation is big on removing common barriers for students and families to ensure opportunities within the arts are accessible to all. Student Arts Foundation provides students, parents, teachers, and other caring community members a platform, an index of local programming, scholarship opportunities, and support services for those interested. We maintain an up-to-date listing of vetted classes, programming, shadowing opportunities, and internships for high school students (grades 9-12) within the greater Rochester area. We work closely with each applicant to find the best opportunities catered to their interests and skill levels while providing mentorship and financial support throughout the experience. Student Arts Foundation encourages students to explore, develop, and hone their artistic talents into rewarding and meaningful lifelong pursuits. Whether they pursue higher education and a career in the arts or grow a personal passion, participants and their families will find Student Arts Foundation ready to support them every step.

If you are interested in art programs within your surrounding community and face financial, travel, or access barriers, please complete our needs request form using the link below.

Apply Here