Founded in 1952, Young Audiences Arts for Learning is the nation's first and largest arts-in-education network:
- reaching seven million schoolchildren annually.
- presenting nearly 100, 000 arts-in-education programs in music, theater, visual and design arts, dance, and the literary arts. These programs include performance-demonstrations, workshops, residencies, and professional development services for teachers.
- working with 4,600 professional teaching artists.
- producing programs in 7,500 schools annually.
The National Arts for Learning organization:
- ensures the highest standards of arts-in-education programs
- creates and disseminates learning resources and ideas for inspiring children, teachers and volunteers
- supports opportunities for schools, communities, educators and families to engage in the arts together
- provides grant opportunities through nationally-funded programs and sponsorships
- promotes YA programs in all disciplines for children and youth of all ages
- provides technical assistance and start-up grants for new arts-in-education initiatives
- sponsors conferences and professional development for board volunteers, staff and artists
- helps train the next generation of professional teaching artists
- certifies the continuous improvement of YA affiliate programs
- undertakes research into programs affecting the arts-in-education field
- provides access to expert advice, shared knowledge and information
- provides promotional and advocacy materials
- works with YA affiliates to design and deliver new and innovative arts-in-education program materials and practices
Arts for Learning was the first organization ever to receive the prestigious National Medal of Arts. Awarded in 1994, the White House recognized Young Audiences Arts for Learning's achievements in working with educational systems, the arts community, and the public and private sectiors to help ensure that the arts play a decisive role in the education of young people.
