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LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) as part of the Grants for Arts Projects initiative. This funding will support LEAP’s LEAP Artists LIVE! School’s Out Theater Series, which provides free, full-day musical theater and arts workshops for K-12 students during school closures, ensuring access to high-quality arts education and cultural enrichment at a time when many children would otherwise lack structured learning opportunities.
This announcement is being made in recognition of National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day, held annually on January 31, which celebrates how the arts inspire, uplift, and leave lasting impacts on lives. At a time when arts education is under increasing threat, LEAP’s programs ensure that New York City youth have access to creative opportunities that nurture their talents, develop their confidence, and amplify their voices. The School’s Out Theater Series not only engages young people in immersive artistic experiences but also serves as a vital resource for families, offering structured programming that keeps children engaged in a safe and inspiring environment.
“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “It is inspiring to see the wide range of creative projects taking place, including LEAP’s 2025 School’s Out Series.”
“I’m inspired every time I observe a young person experience the process by which they go from curious but intimidated to participate in a drawing class, a dance team, or a musical theater production and, over the course of months, become motivated and dedicated to their new passion. This transformation happens because of the authentic connection and inspiration provided by their Teaching Artist and the confidence and sense of accomplishment that comes from presenting something they learned to create,” said Executive Director Rich Souto. “My wish is that the children believe there's hope for the future, and that we believe it ourselves. It’s the only choice we have to affect change in this moment of uncertainty.”
Through this grant, LEAP will produce three original musicals exploring social justice themes and historical events, integrating technology enhancements such as live streaming, archival footage, and projection to provide historical context and deepen the educational impact. This initiative also addresses critical community needs, offering a safe, supervised space for children during school breaks while making performances more accessible to diverse learners and audiences of all ages.
The first production was held in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. In collaboration with All Stars Project, Inc. LEAP to honor Dr. King’s legacy with a production of The Movement: An Acappella Musical. The next event will be a presentation of Liberty and Justice, which explores the untold stories of 20th-century African American and Caribbean women who relocated to New York City for better opportunities on February 18 and 19, 2025.As arts education faces increasing challenges due to shifting public policies, this funding underscores the urgent need to invest in creative youth development. Arts programs like LEAP’s are essential in fostering the next generation of artists, thinkers, and engaged citizens.
For more information on the NEA’s grant announcement and funded projects, visit arts.gov/news.
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