In June of 2022, City Council added a $3 million Citywide initiative to the budget. This Support for Arts Instruction Initiative demonstrates a commitment from the City Council to finding a path to ensure that all New York City schools can provide every student with a rich, diverse arts education experience. The Support for Arts Instruction Initiative is now in its second year and has been awarded to nearly 200 schools in 2023-2024 school year.

The Roundtable worked with the City Council, Mayor Adams’ Administration, and NYC Public Schools to create this equity-rooted initiative that extends participation in arts education, especially in schools with limited access to arts instruction. Our hope is that this funding can be baselined and continue to expand in future years to meet city-wide demand for increased arts learning opportunities.

“Via the grant, students were able to participate in film making classes, learn vocals and choreography to song selection[s], [and experience] robust visual and performing arts trips.”

Initiative Recipient