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Young Audiences Charity Benefit

We are so excited to be part of the Gratwick Productions, Inc. #NightToInspire event on May 10! This event will benefit us and celebrate the many contributions Young Audiences has made to schools and students in the Western New York community through arts-in-education programs!

And we want YOU to join and celebrate with us! You could win a pair of VIP tickets just by commenting and sharing this post!

The evening will be full of live performances from Paris Calibur and Mom Said No. with plenty of dancing, drinking, prizes, and giveaways.

More information on this special event can be found here: https://bit.ly/2Vk4aY5

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Young Audiences Executive Director Named

Michael Weidrich Returns to Western New York, Appointed New Executive Director

Young Audiences of Western New York (YA-WNY), an independent affiliate of the Young Audiences national network, ended their search last week for their next Executive Director. Michael Weidrich, MBA BFA, will take the reins of the organization that has been a staple of the arts in education community since 1962.

“I made the decision to move back to Buffalo after 25 years away to be closer to family at the end of last year. I am excited to not only be back in Buffalo and working downtown, but to be doing so at an organization that ignites my passion for education and the arts” says Weidrich.

A graduate of Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Michael received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Arts from Syracuse University and a Master of Business Administration from The College of Saint Rose, in addition to Advanced Graduate Certificates in Not-for-Profit Management and Educational Technology, and having also completed extensive coursework in Arts Education.

“We are thrilled to have found Michael, who will provide the leadership, vision, and direction needed to propel our mission forward in a meaningful and strategic way.” says EJ Snyder, President of the Board of Directors and partner at Harter Secrest and Emery. “Michael brings experience with program development, operations, finances, fundraising, strategic planning, and community building to both Young Audiences and the Western New York community.

Weidrich has over 20 years of professional experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sector, having served as Executive Director of the Lark Street Business Improvement District “Albany’s Arts District,” and the Pride Center of the Capital Region. Michael founded Albany’s 1st Fridays in 2006 and coordinated the monthly arts walk for nearly 8 years, growing the event from three small galleries to over 50 venues city-wide. Michael is also a life-long artist, having exhibited his digital artworks internationally.

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Board Member Highlight: Esther Annan

When Esther joined the board in 2016, we were very excited to bask in her enthusiasm as well as share in her passion for our youth.  

One of the partnerships we are extremely proud to have is with the Erie County Youth Detention Center. The Erie County Youth Detention Center is a facility that is essentially a holding center for youth ages 12-18, both male and female, who are awaiting arraignment for alleged criminal misconduct.  It is through this partnership that we are able to assist young people most at risk of educational and societal failure. We have this partnership in part due to working with Esther. 

Esther was put in charge of programming for the Center and it was during this time that she got in contact with Young Audiences. She says, "I was put in charge of programming for Erie County Detention by the Youth Services Commissioner. I came across Young Audiences during my research, and I immediately began working on the partnership for them to provide programming for residents awaiting their transition at ECD.” That was in 2010, and since Esther departed for her current role with Say Yes to Education Buffalo, the partnership has expanded. Esther was a great ally when she was there and we knew one day she’d make a great fit for our board.

As the Director of Data and Evaluation with Youth Services at Say Yes Buffalo, Esther’s able to expand on her vision for youth. She says,“It’s for every student to have access to equal supports that will allow them to meet their educational goals as well as achieve their life’s potential”. Say Yes’s vision is that every student can graduate high school and college when given the proper supports, resources, and opportunities. As a clinical therapist, Esther wishes that people knew that arts education is a new wave of therapy. Further she says: “it’s a pathway to express oneself outside the expected norm. It brings light to the many dark places all around”. Her vision aligns clearly with the work of Young Audiences and we knew Esther would make a great addition to our board. 

David Rust, Executive Director at Say Yes encourages his staff members to serve in boards and so made the initial ask if Esther would be interested.  She was looking for a board service opportunity at the time and joined us enthusiastically.  

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Advocacy: A trip to Washington, D.C. for Arts Advocacy Day

By Beth Ireland 

In March, I had the personal pleasure of joining Western New York representatives and advocates from across the country for Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. 

Every year, Arts Advocacy Day brings together a broad cross section of America's cultural and civic organizations, along with more than 500 grassroots advocates from across the country. While in D.C., they meet with Senators and Representatives to underscore the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts. 

The purpose, unchanged for the past three decades, is to provide a platform for arts advocates to gather and speak to local and national political leaders, sharing with them our personal stories and experiences and vision for the arts in our nation. But the mood this year was one of renewed urgency. The event fell just days after Donald Trump’s first federal budget proposal, which included the proposed elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and the Corporation for National and Community Services (AmeriCorps), among other federal agencies.

Following a training session on Monday, advocates of arts institutions, small and large, spent the day cycling through congressional offices to make the case for public arts funding. 

Representing New York State were nearly 100 advocates, all in different arts disciplines. The group heavily ranged from lawyers and arts educators to dancers and entrepreneurial/independent artists, to those working in arts councils, initiatives and foundations - to name just a few. Split into 8 teams, I found myself partnered with seven like-minded individuals whose passion for the arts, their organizations, their craft, and who they serve was inspiring. 

Together, we emphasized that the NEA, which has an annual budget of $148 million, is not only a nice thing to have, but also an economically sound investment. At .004 percent of the federal budget and at .47 cents per capita annually, its grants play a significant but low cost role in supporting the nonprofit arts and culture industry.

Here are a few other facts from Americans on the Arts that we used to make our argument and for you to have when you make yours:

* The nonprofit industry supports 4.13 million jobs in the arts and related industries. The Bureau of Economic Analysis and the NEA together calculated the arts and culture sector’s contributions to the gross domestic product at 4.2%, which amounts to an impressive $729 billion.

*Nationally, 702,771 businesses are involved in the creation or distribution of the arts, and they employ 2.9 million people-this represents 3.9 percent of all U.S. business and 1.9 percent of all U.S. employees. This demonstrates that the arts are a formidable business presence and broadly distributed across our communities.

* It's assumed that for every dollar the NEA gives, an additional $9 is donated from other individuals

* With passing of the Every Student Succeeds Act, and authority for educational goals returning to states, it is critical that we involve our local leaders in conversations about keeping arts as a core and critical part of our children’s education. 

*Nationally, the nonprofit arts industry alone generates $135 billion in economic activity annually that generates $22.3 billion in government revenue.

*Cultural tourism accounts for 78% of U.S. travelers-that’s 118 million tourists.

* Elected officials are often unaware of the critical role that the NEA may play in supporting a beloved institution in their district. They only know when we tell them, invite them, and show them the great learning experiences of our children when they engage in the arts. It is up to us to keep them informed and involved.

While Arts Advocacy Day saw a record number attendance this year, there is still work to be done. It will be up to us to remind our representatives on a federal, state and local level that all arts matter. Here are some tips on how you can continue to advocate for the arts and culturals in your own backyard: 

1. Stay familiar with your local newspaper listings. They will almost always list the arts and cultural events happening each week. 

2. Purchase tickets or donate when possible, even if the events are free, and invite your friends and associates to attend with you. 

3. Talk to the owners, the musicians, the actors, the curators, and the people directly involved in any arts events. Volunteer for them. Get to know these arts leaders. Your involvement is more than a statement - you will see exactly how hard everyone in the arts and cultural sector works to bring these programs to you, and the value they bring. 

5. Be aware of when your local schools and community centers are at risk of losing funding for arts programming. Write, call, and demand of your community leaders that funding and support are not only granted, but increased - so that the whole community can benefit from the arts services in your area. Make sure to tell them that you support the arts. It’s vital to speak up to support the arts.

6. Lastly, talk about and share your experiences. Talk about seeing your favorite band over the weekend. Talk about your niece’s performance with the community theater troupe. Identify for your friends and neighbors just how important the arts are to you. Help them recognize how active the arts are in their community. 

Get out and get involved. Talk about the arts, share with our leaders the experiences of your children, and let US know too! I am proud to work hands-on with the young people in our community, and our political leaders should feel pride too. 

This is the best way to be a supporter of - and an advocate for - our precious and important artists, arts and cultural institutions! 

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Board Member Highlight: Cindy Hanna

We are incredibly fortunate that Cindy Hanna has been working with Young Audiences for over twenty years as a teaching artist. In 2015, she elevated her dedication by becoming one of two teaching artists to be on our board of directors-and we couldn’t be happier.

As both a dancer and educator, Cindy became familiar with Young Audiences when she was doing a program with a fellow artist from our roster, Jerry Raven. It was then that her collaboration started with Young Audiences and is still going strong today.

When asked about art education, Hanna says it is imperative to the education system: “Art education gives the students the opportunity to observe, learn, and create in a non-biased atmosphere. They may find peace and a path, as well as gain assets to become a contributing adult in the community. Dance was and still is an essential part of my life which I gladly share, knowing the benefits.”

It is important for us to always have a teaching artist as a member of our board. This is because as a teaching artist, the individual has an interaction with the youth we are trying to serve and brings our mission to fruition. Hanna does just that and speaks more to the value of being a teaching artist and dance in general: “Teaching diverse styles of dance in diverse settings such as schools, community centers, Boys and Girls clubs, and festivals has strengthened my teaching skills and spread my love of dance to the broader community. The most valuable aspect of this is the interaction that dance has on the students and their own personal growth, self-confidence, self-esteem, as well as self-awareness in their community.  Dance is a healthy means physically and emotionally.  Young Audience supports the importance of art in a student’s life, as well as the artist art form.  

One of Cindy’s greatest art experiences was when she took a group of students to the Governor’s Mansion for “The Very Special Arts Festival”. For her, it was a pivotal moment in her time teaching. She recalls being overwhelmed by the magnitude of those present representing the arts and their ability to teach life skills through the arts, to all students. As a teaching artist and a board member, it goes far beyond dance steps or the artwork. She states, “As a young student, engaged in art programming, like Young Audiences programming, they are exposed to dance, art, music, theater, media in assemblies or residencies. The lessons taught, hold valuable skills of perseverance, dedication, flexibility, self-confidence, collaboration, and creativity.”  

“The mission of YA aligns with my beliefs and I am grateful to be a part of Young Audiences as a teaching artist and a board member”. We are the grateful ones, Cindy. Thank you for all you do and all you continue to do!

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Teaching Artist Spotlight: Victoria Perez

Teaching artist spotlight: Victoria Perez

Victoria Pérez is an accomplished theatre artist and teacher. She is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Raíces Theatre Company, the only theatre company in WNY dedicated to develop, nourish and produce modern and original works dealing with the Latino experience in order to preserve our roots.

Victoria has worked with many WNY theatres including Road Less Traveled, Ujima, ArtPark, Musicalfare, O’Connell and Company, Kavinoky Theatre and Subversive. She has been involved in the Buffalo’s young Latino community by doing theatre/music ad dance residencies at the West Side Community Services, The Belle Center and with Friends of Hispanic Arts at Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy. She was part of the creative team that was commissioned by the Arts in Education Institute of WNY to create a musical based on the history of Puerto Rico Mosaico Borincano. Victoria also received the Arts Award from Hispanics United of Buffalo and the Community Arts award from Senator Antoine Thompson. Victoria is a vocalist for the Buffalo Tango Orchestra.

We are proud to shine the spotlight on Victoria Perez To learn more or book a program, visit http://yawny.org/ensemble/victoria-perez/

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APL Partner Spotlight: Explore & More Children’s Museum

We are proud to shine the spotlight this week on APL partner Explore & More Children's Museum!

Arts Partners for Learning connected Global Concepts Charter School with Explore & More. Using colorfully decorated classrooms, carefully selected artifacts, and an interactive approach; Explore & More educators showed students how children eat, live, and play in Yemen and South Africa. Because of the school's large Yemeni population, many students were excited and proud to share their own culture with their classmates.

With nationally recognized and award-winning programs and exhibits, and a mission to provide critically important informal learning experiences for all, Explore & More has become an important asset to the well-being of children and families in Western New York. We are proud to shine the spotlight this week on APL partner Explore & More Children's Museum!

To learn more, visit: http://aplwny.org/programs/culture-days/

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Board Member Highlight: Lindsay Evans

When Lindsay Evans joined our board in 2015, she brought new tenacity and enthusiasm towards bringing the mission of Young Audiences to life.

Lindsay’s passion for the arts started at a young age. She recalls, “My parents were intentional about exposing us to the arts; I can remember seeing Bye Bye Birdie at our local theater when I was young, probably 7 or 8 years old, and being completely overwhelmed with the experience”. Working currently at Lumsden McCormick LLP as their Marketing and Communications Coordinator, her passion for the arts never dissipated and it only seems natural that Lindsay would end up on the board of an arts-based organization.

 Her first interaction with Young Audiences was when she was a summer camp counselor for Cradle Beach Camp.  Cradle Beach serves the needs of children with disabilities and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and Young Audiences' teaching artists often provide programs to the youth there during the summers. Lindsay recalls looking forward most to workshops coordinated by fellow board member and teaching artist, Cindy Hanna. She stated, “We always looked forward to signing up our cabin for dance workshops with Cindy Hanna”. 

 As the Vice President and an active member of our board, we can always count on Lindsay to attend one of our programs or culminating celebrations. This past fall, she attended a program visit at the Youth Detention Center and was able to see first-hand one of the programs we offer. During the visit, she witnessed teaching artist Jen Russo interact with the children through a lesson on creating mandalas. Lindsay remembers, “It was great to see her connect this art form to their world-where they’ve seen these types of designs before in their lives. She (Russo) also spoke of their futures as she discussed careers in graphic design”. While she is impressed with the teaching artists, staff and program partners of Young Audiences, Lindsay is constantly fascinated with the kids talents and the work they are able to produce as a result of being a participant in a program. This, along with their willingness to explore new ways of expressing themselves. Since working with Young Audiences, she has seen kids shine and be surrounded by positive influences and opportunities. 

We are lucky to have Lindsay on our board and look forward to sharing even more life-changing experiences with her!

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Arts Partners for Learning: Call for Schools, Organizations and Cultural Leaders!

Arts Partners for Learning (APL) is a regional partnership that was formed in 2011 with support from the Fund for the Arts, John R. Oishei Foundation, and Young Audiences, Inc. with the vision to create opportunities for arts and cultural organizations and professional artists to work with schools and ultimately improve the educational outcomes for children. 

Led by a Leadership Team comprised of leaders from the arts, cultural, education, and philanthropic sectors of Western New York, APL aims to bring arts and cultural programs to schools that are standards-based and integrated throughout the curriculum. 

We need you! Here’s how to get involved: 

Learn how your cultural can become one of our educational partners. RFP’s currently accepted. Visit: http://aplwny.org/request_programs/

Learn how your school (or your child’s school) can apply to receive programming. Visit: http://aplwny.org/school-application/

Join our Arts Partners Leadership Team. Find the Service Interest Form at this link: http://aplwny.org/get-involved/

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APL Partner Spotlight: Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

We are proud to shine the spotlight this week on APL partner the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum!  

This photo shows students of St. Joseph’s Elementary School standing next to their carrousel masterpieces as part of the “Simple Machine” workshop. This interactive program allows students to learn and identify seven simple machines, like carrousels. It also helps students to understand the concepts of work and force along with opportunities to gain practical experience working with simple and compound machines.

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum opened to the public in July of 1983 and interprets the growth of the Herschell companies and changes in the amusement industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the art, science, math, music, and social history of the early American amusement industry, from carrousels to coasters. We are lucky to have them as an APL partner.

We are proud to shine the spotlight this week on APL partner Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum!  

To learn more, visit: http://aplwny.org/herschell-carrousel-factory-museum/

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Teaching Artist Spotlight: Alex Fernandez

As a bilingual instructional technology consultant specializing in “Flipped Classroom Strategy”, Alex’s primary focus is CTE and its connection to the Arts and Mathematics. His interdisciplinary and cross curricular project based work using game based learning introduces STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning to the classrooms.

As an advocate from STEM to STEAM Alex says, “I continue to seek exposure to students and educators across the world with new innovating, open, and creative use of “Technology as a Tool”.

We are proud to shine the spotlight this week on Alex Fernandez!

To learn more or book a program, visit http://ow.ly/kuNN307YIPi

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APL Partner Spotlight: Buffalo Museum of Science

We are proud to shine the spotlight this week on APL partner the Buffalo Museum of Science!  

This photo was taken when museum educators gave students at Catholic Academy of West Buffalo a hands-on experience with “capillary action art.” Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to, external forces like gravity. Students explored the movements of liquids in small groups and were amazed by their discoveries. They then used their new vocabulary and knowledge to create personalized works of art.

The Buffalo Museum of Science is dedicated to the study and interpretation of the natural and physical sciences. Its extensive collections of over 700,000 specimens and artifacts represent all facets of the natural world with an emphasis on Western New York as well as man-made objects spanning the globe. We are lucky to have them as an APL partner!

To learn more, visit: http://aplwny.org/buffalo-museum-of-science/

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Teaching Artist Spotlight: Phyllis Thompson

Phyllis Thompson works with fiber textiles, printmaking, photography and collage processes. Her work reflects the influence of her mother and grandmother who made quilts and other creations from recycled materials. Thompson has done extensive research on her family roots and uses old photographs from family history in her work.

Thompson holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education/Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an MFA in printmaking from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, and a BFA in printmaking from the Philadelphia College of Art. She was an educator at Cornell University, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Kutztown University, and Buffalo State College. Additionally, Additionally, she worked in the Chicago Public Schools as a resident artist with Urban Gateways and taught middle school students at University School of Milwaukee.

We are proud to shine the spotlight this week on Phyllis!

To learn more or book a program, visit: http://yawny.org/ensemble/phyllis-thompson/ 

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Hyatt’s All Things Creative kicks off Arts in Education Week with Young Audiences partnership

Young Audiences of Western New York is pleased to announce its partnership with Hyatt’s All Things Creative, located in Clarence and Buffalo, NY.

When you visit Hyatt’s All Things Creative during the week of September 11th – 17th, 2016, make sure you bring the Education Mailer Postcard you received in the mail with you. For every card brought into Hyatt’s Buffalo or Clarence locations, Hyatt’s will donate $10 to Young Audiences and give you a 30% discount on your entire purchase!

Young Audiences’ goal is to raise $1,000 for art materials. The young people who participate in our programs do not pay for the cost of programming, or for any of the materials used. Support from organizations like Hyatt’s, and from generous patrons and supporters of the arts, make it possible to continue bringing quality arts materials and experiences to our youth.

Keep reading

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Teaching artist spotlight: PUSH Physical Theatre

Teaching artist spotlight: PUSH Physical Theater

Award-winning PUSH Physical Theatre is an innovative and exciting acrobatic dance and theater troupe. PUSH has been called “a cross between fine art sculpture and the hit movie The Matrix”, but its co-founders (with tongue firmly in cheek) describe it “like regular theatre but more painful”. The dancers’ physical feats are awe-inspiring, but the cherry on top of this acrobatic sundae is PUSH’s ability to engage their audience through vibrant visual storytelling. PUSH Physical Theatre guides children in creative, expressive movement and builds confidence and healthy esteem in children of all ages and from every background.

We are proud to shine the spotlight on PUSH Physical Theater!

To learn more or book a program, visit http://yawny.org/ensemble/push-physical-theatre/

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Teaching artist spotlight: Miriam Minkoff

Miriam Minkoff is a dancer and percussionist in the ensemble No Words Spoken, a music group comprising individuals with autism and staff from Autistic Services, Inc. She began teaching Dance to individuals with disabilities at People Inc. in 1983. She soon discovered that both clients and staff were more inspired to move when they made their own music. She began drumming with everyone at work, which developed into the percussion ensemble known as Beats Me.Minkoff’s teaching style is based on the maxim, “If you can say it, you can play it.”

We are proud to shine the spotlight on Miriam Minkoff. To learn more or book a program, visit http://yawny.org/ensemble/miriam-minkoff/

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Teaching artist spotlight: Larry Moss

LARRY MOSS began his career 25 years ago as a NYC street performer, but has gone on to display his amazing air-filled art in 12 countries on four continents. His achievements have been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, CNN Headline, PBS, Smithsonian Magazine, American Profile and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Moss has appeared on The Martha Stewart Show, NBC’s “Today” and at the White House, and has held the Guinness World Record for the largest non-round balloon sculpture since 2000. Larry also has a degree in applied math and computer science, as well as a master’s in elementary education. Building community through his large-scale art creations is of particular interest to Larry, and was the focus of his 2009 TEDx talk in Rochester, NY.

We are proud to shine the spotlight on Larry Moss To learn more or book a program, visit http://yawny.org/ensemble/larry-moss/