Help Boston's Kids Imagine New Worlds - Donate to KidsArts!
Dear fellow activists and artists,
I'm volunteering to help raise funds for KidsArts! Multicultural After School and Summer Program in Jamaica Plain. It truly takes a village, online and offline, to sustain this rare program in our city.
The Story of KidsArts!: Born in Flames
In the late 1980’s, KidsArts! Multicultural Afterschool Program was born in the old firehouse now home to JP Licks. For many years, the building was occupied by a vibrant community center devoted to the arts – the JP Multicultural Arts Center, sometimes called the “Firehouse Arts Center”. The old firehouse bustled with ballet dancers, samba drummers, photographers, jazz musicians, and ... kids!
In 1993, KidsArts! found a new home in the First Unitarian Church where it still lives to this day. As of 2010, scores of children have made monster masks, danced Capoeira, shot music videos, crafted shadow puppets, discussed social justice, and cooked empanadas (among other activities) – delving into deeply creative thinking that is increasingly marginalized in school. Over the years, hundreds of families have enjoyed the riches of a program that was ignited by the artists/activists of the old firehouse.
Why our city needs KidsArts!
Founded by local artists and unaffiliated with any larger institution, KidsArts! is the only after-school and vacation program of its kind in this area. Of all of Boston's afterschool programs, KidsArts! is the only
independent non-profit that focuses on the Arts for elementary-school-aged kids.
Motivated by a unique respect for young people, KidsArts! boasts a staff of experienced artists who focus on each child and bring their vibrant talents to spark each child’s journey to self-expression.
Without community-wide support from artists and activists, KidsArts! could
crumble. Your contributions buttress and sustain our city's unique and
independent arts program for young kids.
Why KidsArts! Needs Support
Until now, KidsArts! has relied on full- and sliding scale-tuition fees and vouchers to meet its budget and to ensure that this resource is available to all area children. But KidsArts! is currently weathering a rough storm. The fragile economy has taken its toll. The forecast looks critical, but your support will allow it to brace for whatever comes.
KidsArts! needs to raise $15,000 by the end of 2010, and I believe we can do it. Any amount is welcome.
Clicking HERE will allow you to contribute through Network for Good, our online giving site, or you can visit http://www.jpkidsarts.org/donate.
Please do your part in fortifying Boston's unique arts program. You are the brick, and our children are the creative fire that will light up Boston's future!
In solidarity,
homefries
