WhYArts?

Young Audiences Arts for Learning's National blog spotlights programs, people, and perspectives from across the YA network and the arts in education field-at-large.

The Spring 2022 Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) Newsletter!

May 9, 2022 | lauren@ya.org

Welcome to the Spring 2022 Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) Newsletter! As we continue strong into our 70th year, we’re sharing highlights from YA Week, looking back on our National Conference in New Orleans, delivering network-wide professional learning, and — as we are thrilled to formally announce — planning for our 70th Anniversary Gala.

White House illustration with YA sun on blue cloud background

President Biden Commemorates National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week 2022

May 5, 2022 | emily@ya.org

In a letter dated April 19, 2022, President Biden expressed that he and the first lady were "honored to join those celebrating National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week."

Arts & Action Keynote Address: "A Season for the Audacious and for the Courageous”

Apr 14, 2022 | emily@ya.org

In celebration of YA Week, we're sharing the virtual Keynote Address from Young Audiences Arts for Learning's 2022 National Conference, Arts & Action. In A Season for the Audacious and for the Courageous, Deirdre Johnson Burel of the W.K.

Capitol building with 2022 on it and yellow YA sun in the sky

US House Resolution Designates April 10-23 as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week

Apr 7, 2022 | emily@ya.org

Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) has introduced a Resolution to the House of Representatives designating the weeks of April 10 through 23, 2022, as National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week (YA Week).

yellow and blue paper background with photos of Taya Jackson as a kid and today, with the worse, Welcome To The Team!

Q&A with Taya Jackson: Meet YA’s New Program Coordinator

Feb 14, 2022 | emily@ya.org

Taya Jackson has joined us as Program Coordinator, Network Initiatives. In this new role, she will provide essential support for the execution and ongoing management of national initiatives at YA, including the National Residency Teaching Artist Credential, the Responsive Arts in School Education initiative, and professional learning convenings led by the YA National Office.

Text over picture of US Capitol with blue sky and clouds, reads "YA Week 2022 April 10-23"

Young Audiences Arts for Learning Will Celebrate National YA Week April 10-23, 2022, To Raise Awareness & Support for Arts in Education

Feb 2, 2022 | lauren@ya.org

YA is proud to announce that National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week (YA Week) 2022 will be held April 10-23.

Four Young Audiences Affiliates Awarded National Endowment for the Arts Grants Totaling $130,000 

Jan 13, 2022 | lauren@ya.org

n its first major grant announcement of fiscal year 2022, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has named the recipients of federal funding for arts projects. Included in the NEA’s announcement are four Young Audiences Arts for Learning affiliates that were awarded funding in the Grants for Arts Projects and Challenge America categories totaling $130,000.

Looking Back at YA Week 1971

Jan 6, 2022 | lauren@ya.org

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Young Audiences Arts for Learning, we'll be spotlighting YA history all year long! Below is a look back at the very first Young Audiences Arts for Learning Week (YA Week).

YA Awarded $9.2 Million US DOE Grant To Support Responsive Arts in School Education

Oct 13, 2021 | lauren@ya.org

Young Audiences has been awarded a $9.2 million federal grant through the US Department of Education’s (DOE) Assistance for Arts Education (AAE) program. The project, Responsive Arts in School Education (RAISE), will bring Teaching Artists (TAs), School Social Workers (SSWs), and classroom teachers into partnership to develop healing-centered and culturally responsive-sustaining arts in education…

Young Audiences Arts for Learning Supports Three Equity-Focused Initiatives Through FY22 Affiliate Development Fund

Oct 5, 2021 | lauren@ya.org

YA has awarded three Affiliate Development Fund (ADF) grants for FY22 to support initiatives across the national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network (YA Network) that address issues of racial justice impacting historically marginalized communities. Each year, the ADF supports innovative projects and initiatives that advance the organizational development of individual affiliates and build…