Mission:
The mission of ArtsRising is to improve and expand equitable access to arts education for children in the Greater Philadelphia Region so that youth are better engaged in school and in their community, persistent through high school graduation, and prepared for post secondary opportunities and for the 21st Century Workforce.
Vision:
Imagine a city and region that commits to the arts as a key tool in transforming communities and keeping youth engaged and successful in and out of school… giving students the opportunity to participate in a thriving economy in which the skills of imagination and innovation are valued.
Background:
In 2008, a coalition of over 100 individuals and organizations came together under the banner of “Arts for Youth” to address the urgent need for the arts to become integrated into the education of all youth across the Philadelphia Region. Responding to the call to action to lead this new initiative, the Philadelphia Education Fund (the Ed Fund), the Fleisher Art Memorial (Fleisher), and Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) formed a strategic partnership. In March 2009, the partnership was awarded the management of “Arts for Youth.”
In September 2009, the three partners welcomed Varissa McMickens as Director of this new initiative, now referred to as ArtsRising. The ArtsRising team is pursuing a ten-year goal of bringing arts learning opportunities to all children and youth in the Greater Philadelphia region.
For more information on ArtsRising, click here to download the Arts for Children and Youth Case Statement.