Our concept of partnership involves collaborative projects with non-profits and organizations, bolstering our mission to strengthen underserved schools and communities through the arts. We are constantly looking into expanded partnerships within and beyond New York City, and our efforts to inspire and empower youth and their families involve a growing number of dedicated organizations, some of which you can see below.
The New Group
The New Group is an artist-driven company with a commitment to developing and producing powerful, contemporary theater as one of New York City’s leading Off-Broadway companies. Since 2006, we have connected with them to create Life Stories, a program that gives advanced theatre training for youth. Students create three professional level productions throughout the year, dramatically portraying characters and stories inspired by their real life experiences.
Chinatown YMCA
One of America’s oldest community service organizations with a 156-year tradition of emphasizing youth, wellness, and community collaboration, the YMCA maintains a longstanding program in its Chinatown branch, sharing the building with Urban Arts Partner school MS 131. We are proud to provide after school programs for MS 131 students through a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant collaboration with the Chinatown YMCA.
East Side House Settlement
East Side House, founded in 1891, has served the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx since 1963 as a community resource that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families and their community. We have partnered with East Side House through several grant collaborations that include the Department of Youth and Community Development and 21st Century After School grants for schools in the South Bronx.
Lillian Wald Houses
The Lillian Wald Houses, a large public housing project on the easternmost edge of Alphabet City, were constructed in 1949 by the New York City Housing Authority as a way to stabilize a declining neighborhood, while preserving the Loisaida community on the Lower East Side. The housing project maintains a substantial senior center, and we created the Senior Center project to connect high school students with members of The Lillian Wald Houses, made possible by New York City Council Member Rosie Mendez, the NYC Department of Aging, and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
The 24 Hour Company
Since 1995, the 24 Hour Company has produced hundreds of plays that were each written, directed and performed within a 24 hour cycle. Having staged performances in New York, London, Los Angeles and Chicago, the company has collaborated with Urban Arts Partnership since 2001 to create phenomenal annual performances that benefit the organization and have become a highlight of the year. We are thrilled to involve our Artistic Board and members of the international theater community in this exciting project, and equally thrilled to have piloted the unique 24 Hour Plays in the Schools productions, bringing this exciting concept to our exceptional students.
Facing History and Ourselves
Founded in 1976, Facing History And Ourselves (FHAO) offers in-depth professional development services; curricular resources; and ongoing support to educators and students in the areas of history, social studies, and language arts. They are dedicated to helping teachers around the world lead their students in a critical examination of history, with particular focus on genocide and mass violence. Each year they reach more than 1.8 million students through a global network of more than 25,000 educators, staff, adjunct faculty and international fellows. In 2005 FHAO opened The Facing History School in mid-town Manhattan, and Urban Arts Partnership is honored to serve as the Lead Arts Partner at this progressive and groundbreaking campus.
New York Film Academy
The New York Film Academy opened its doors in Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Film Center offering an innovative curriculum, award-winning instructors, and professional equipment. The Film Academy has grown considerably each year, now offering its intensive hands-on filmmaking programs and degree programs to over 6000 students a year. Our conservatory programs include: Filmmaking, Acting for Film, Producing, Screenwriting, Journalism, Animation, Documentary and Cinematography. Please visit www.nyfa.com for more information.
