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NYC Arts in Education Roundtable

Summer Rising 2022 – From Comissioner Laurie Cumbo

2 minutes

Good evening cultural colleagues,

I’m writing to share with you a timely opportunity on behalf of our colleagues at the Department of Education and Department of Youth and Community Development: Summer Rising is back in 2022! This year, it will serve a whopping 110,000 students across 380+ buildings throughout the five boroughs. As always, Summer Rising will seek to spark curiosity, joy, and a love of learning as students engage with peers and caring adults to experience all that our city has to offer. Summer Rising will continue to combine academic support and school-based enrichment programming led by Community Based Organizations (CBOs), and students will have daily opportunities to play, create, explore, and develop new interests.

We are looking for arts and cultural partners that can help support this effort by offering free or discounted events, programs, or other opportunities at your organization for July and August. Specifically, we’re seeking:

  • Open Source Opportunities: Existing free summer opportunities (programs, free hours, curricula, etc.) that anyone can attend without needing to sign up. 
  • Free or discounted tickets: Free tickets donated to Summer Rising or tickets with a minimal cost that participating CBOs can consider purchasing for students. 
  • Specific opportunities for Summer Rising: Special experiences for students such as guided or “behind the scenes” tours.

If you are interested in participating, email Claudia Arzeno at carzeno@culture.nyc.gov with the subject heading “Summer Rising.” Please include your organization’s name, a contact person, and what your organization is able to provide for this year’s Summer Rising. If you’re not sure if your opportunity qualifies, send Claudia an email and – along with Summer Rising staff – we can talk it through.

Arts and culture are an essential part of the education and experiences we provide for our city’s youth, and we are so grateful for your partnership in providing them with the very best we can offer. Thank you for considering this opportunity to connect with our city’s kids this summer!

Sincerely, 
Commissioner Laurie Cumbo 
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs

NYC Department of Cultural Affairs logo in red and black in front of a white background