About Us

It all started when…

Statement Arts was conceived at the High School for Environmental Studies (HSES), a Title I public high school in New York City's Hell's Kitchen in 2003. Inspiration for our current youth programming: the StART Dreaming College Readiness Program and our StART Young Summer Music & Theater Program, stemmed from the success of our work at HSES. In 2010, we left the New York City public school system to help level the academic playing field for disenfranchised kids through the exploration of their artistic talents. We reach young people at the most critical time in their development and encourage them to believe in themselves and are there with the practical resources to help them to achieve their goals.  Our alumni network extends the positive support, offering guidance and encouragement as our students navigate their college years and beyond. 

Our Vision

A socially engaged world where young people create their own STATEMENTS

Our Mission

Statement Arts believes in the power of an integrated arts education to cultivate the next generation of leaders who can inspire social and cultural change. Our holistic approach supports young people and offers the space for them to find their voices and add their statements to the world.

We Are Statement Arts.

In 2019, only 10% of NYC high schools provided instruction in all four arts disciplines and only 24% had a part or full-time certified arts teacher. StART programs are designed to fill the major gaps in arts education and college guidance that exist in the NYC public school system.

Statement Arts (StART) was founded to address the tremendous need to connect young people from historically under-represented communities in NYC to high quality performing arts education. Our goal to help our students make new STATEMENTS about themselves and what is possible through the arts.