News

Stetson Middle School teacher exposing students to photography

2012-02-21T15:37:24+00:00

The Stetson Middle School Shutterbugs and their photography teacher, Anthony Rocco, were featured in the Inquirer this week. This after-school photography program is changing the way these youth see the world.

> Read the full article here

Ignite Philly 9: Varissa McMickens wins “Most Inspiring” award

2012-02-21T15:16:49+00:00

On February 16, Varissa McMickens spoke at Ignite Philly 9 to spark conversation and passionate support for youth arts education. She joined 14 other speakers at the sold-out event at Johnny Brenda's that featured new ideas coming to life in Philadelphia. Ignite Philly is part of a worldwide network that entertains and educates people in short 5-minute bursts.

During her five minutes, McMickens asked everyone to shut their eyes and remember the time when they first realized they were creative and could contribute something to the world. “What if that moment never happened?” she said. She told the crowd that should never happen to any of the city’s youth, hence why she does the work she does with ArtsRising. This inspirational moment led to Varissa winning the "Most Inspiring" award of the evening.

Pledge to Keep the Arts Alive

2012-02-16T20:24:10+00:00

Drastic cuts to education funding at the state level have forced School Districts across the state, including the School District of Philadelphia, to make deep and difficult cuts to their budgets -- cuts that could diminish the progress that intiatives like ArtsRising have made in bringing quality arts education opportunities to students.

Sign the pledge to keep the arts alive for Philadelphia's students

Send a Message to Harrisburg

2012-02-09T20:48:03+00:00

Governor Corbett announced his funding priorities for 2012-13, and, as we feared, last year's drastic $900 million cut continues this year.

Proposed changes to public education funding are estimated at a $21.6 million decrease in funding for the Philadelphia public school district. A weak state education budget results in cuts both to arts teachers and to programs bringing artists into schools.

It's up to us to persuade Governor Corbett and our state leaders that our children deserve a better education and a brighter future.

Please take a minute to send an email to your legislators and tell them that education is a critical funding priority this year.

Walnut Street Theatre bring Black History Month to life at Harding

2012-02-02T20:07:59+00:00

Walnut Street Theatre's Touring Outreach Company performed the production of Martin and Malcolm today at Harding Middle School in honor of Black History Month.

The Touring Outreach Company introduces students to the art of theatre through age appropriate, curriculum-based pieces, which are socially relevant.

Harding also hosted the Touring Outreach Company's production on cyber-bullying called Only 13 on January 19th.

The Harding Middle School - Walnut St. Theatre partnership has deepened this year. Their collaboration has expanded to a year-long anti-bullying residency with a dedicated group of students who are writing, acting and producing their own scenes on the subject. They plan on performing the work at a local elementary school in the spring as well as for other civic organizations.

Harding's drama teacher Seth Pollock was also invited to speak at the theatre's annual fundraiser gala in the fall.

Education Rally in Harrisburg

2012-02-01T22:19:30+00:00

Join us at the Harrisburg Capitol Rally on Valentine's Day to help Governor Corbett fall back in love with education.

Harrisburg Capitol Rally
February 14, 2012 at 12 p.m.
Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda.

Click here for more information and to book a seat.

Save Public Education Funding in Pennsylvania

2012-01-31T21:17:32+00:00

Public education funding in Pennsylvania was slashed by $900 million in budget cuts last year. Over the last year, we've lost some of our most successful programs and many of our most talented colleagues, including full-day kindergarten and tutoring programs and many school-based arts teachers.

Governor Corbett is working on his 2012-2013 Budget Address now, to be broadcast on February 7th. Will you call the Governor's office and let him know that education is your top priority?

Call Governor Corbett’s office at (717) 787-2500. Tell his team:

Education is your top priority issue as a taxpayer and voter.
You are concerned about rising class sizes, and the loss of teachers and essential support programs (arts, sports, science, teaching aids, nurses and kindergarten).
You believe that a fair funding formula must be developed to avoid more drastic budget cuts.
You know the bottom line: Good schools make stronger citizens and communities.

The Governor is deciding his budget priorities right now! Together, our calls can ensure that public education is given the state-level support it desperately needs.

After you call Governor Corbett, help us spread this vital message with family, friends and neighbors.

Encourage them to be a voice on behalf of our most precious resources in Pennsylvania – our children and youth.

Youth walk and rally for peace in Kensington

2012-01-29T14:15:24+00:00

In response to the recent violence in Kensington and the city, many concerned youth, families and organizations came together on Saturday, January 28 for a peace walk and rally for action around this issue. The walk started at a location on Hunting Park Avenue and concluded at Stetson Charter School with a rally that featured impassioned speakers and inspiring performers such as spoken word artist El Poeta and singer Michelle Bonilla (pictured), both from Philadelphia.

The event was spearheaded by young people from the neighborhood and facilitated by Kensington EPIC Stakeholders and ASPIRA.

Partnering community organizations such as ArtsRising and Friends of the Free Library were among those that lended their support for this cause.

ArtsRising networks with city youth arts providers

2012-01-26T20:25:40+00:00

In its ongoing effort to learn about the youth arts providers in the Philadelphia region, ArtsRising continues to meet with individuals and organizations who provide arts programs and services to young people.

In the last couple of months, ArtsRising has met with diverse entities from the American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philadelphia located near the sports stadiums to Mark Boston, Jr. of I Am Phresh Dance Studio (pictured) off Castor Ave. in the Northeast.

Contact ArtsRising to tell us about your program!

Potential budget cuts put arts programs in danger

2012-01-20T20:08:42+00:00

"And with 5.5 months before the end of the school year and little left to cut, the only options left on the table are bad ones - possibilities include cutting all spring sports, all instrumental music, all gifted programs, half the district's psychologists."

Currently, the Philadelphia School District is undergoing immense budget cuts, and arts programs and teachers are at risk. This is a big issue for Philadelphia schools and students - read about it. Stay informed. Learn more here.