A Message from the Director

A Message from the Director

The arts have the power to transform young people’s lives. Arts, culture, and creativity are essential for the development and education of our youth, the health of families and neighborhoods, and the economic and civic well-being of the Philadelphia region. Research shows that an education that integrates the arts can have a profound impact on a child’s development. Heightened imagination, improved critical thinking, and enhanced problem-solving and decision-making skills are just a few of the correlated effects. These skill sets are increasingly cited by employers as essential for the 21st century workforce

What I believe is possible...
ArtsRising is a movement, of which I feel certain I was meant to be a part. Deep within myself, I believe in the possibilities of ArtsRising, because I believe in the capacity of our region’s children to succeed and thrive. Together, we can build strong and lasting relationships and partnerships with our region’s schools. Together, we can make the arts an integral part of our children’s education, of their lives, and of the lives of their families and communities. Together we can provide our youth with the skills they need to succeed and thrive in and out of schools, as we help them find, explore and pursue their passions.

The importance of what already exists...
ArtsRising is being built upon the strong foundation of existing organizations, education programs, educators, artists, and supporters. We are “superscripting”...building up what currently exists, and brining it together in a new and unique way to benefit Southeastern Pennsylvania’s youngest citizens. I count it a privilege and an honor to have been chosen to lead an effort that is primed and ready for success because of the strength and momentum of Greater Philadelphia’s arts, cultural, education, philanthropic, civic and business communities.

The power and possibility of working together, and the urgency of our efforts...
Children blossom when they are provided with quality education that supports their dreams, their lives, their cultures, and their communities. ArtsRising believes that by working together, parents, schools, educators, artists, business leaders, and decision makers can create a rising tide of arts education for all children and youth in Greater Philadelphia that has the power to lift us all.

This initiative was created to bridge the education and arts and culture fields, and to create systems to build and broker relationships among schools, communities, arts education providers and practitioners to ensure increased access to and equity of high quality arts learning opportunities for all youth in the region.

We have a unique opportunity to work together right now to bring ArtsRising to life. We have the chance to harness and activate our collective strength, knowledge and power to benefit the children and youth of this city and this region. At a time when deficits are rising, it’s time for us to flip the script by lifting up that which gives us hope and joy and connects us to one another. Let’s surround and envelop Greater Philadelphia’s children and youth in a rising tide of arts, cultural, creative and innovative energy, opportunity, experience and learning!

Varissa McMickens
Director, ArtsRising