Carnegie Hall, in partnership with the New York City Department of Probation (DOP), has announced that hundreds of young people from across New York City will participate in free digital creative workshops—including music production, theater, culinary arts, documentary filmmaking, visual art, and more—as part of NeON Arts.
Beginning in December, youth will have opportunities to learn and receive mentorship from local artists and organizations in weekly online workshops that enable them to connect and collaborate as an online community.
A program of the DOP and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI), NeON Arts integrates free arts programming into seven Neighborhood Opportunity Networks (NeONs)—community centers across the city—supporting young people, ages 16 to 24, in exploring the arts, establishing positive peer relationships, and developing important social and career skills.
NeON Arts provides funding to New York City artists and arts organizations, inviting them to produce programs in partnership with the NeONs, which connect residents to opportunities, resources, and services in their neighborhoods.
The nine artists and organizations that have been awarded funding in winter 2020 include: Creative Expressions Unlimited; Educational Video Center, Inc.; Free Verse; Hip Hop Re: Education Project, Inc.; International Child Program; visual artist Leopold Vasquez; visual artist/filmmaker Shaunese Crawford; Sun Done Food; and Tech Kids Unlimited.
Launched in 2013, NeON Arts celebrates youth, highlights creative talent, and develops the social and professional skills of participants, preparing them for careers inside and outside the arts. Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute manages the grant-making process for NeON Arts, coordinating events and working with arts organizations and stakeholders. An integral part of NeON Arts has been the direct involvement of local community members. Local NeON stakeholders select participating arts organizations made up of people on probation, DOP staff, key community members, and local businesses.
