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Introduction and personal background of Paul Thompson
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Paul Thompson, the executive director of the NYC Public School Arts Office, introduces himself and shares his personal background. He discusses his experience as an artist and educator, including founding the Urban Assembly School of Music and Art.
- Thompson was appointed in September 2022 and is the first building leader and practicing artist to lead the office in nearly 30 years
- He grew up as an undiagnosed dyslexic in The Bronx and found safety and support in the arts
- Thompson has a master's degree in musical arts and was recently featured on a Grammy-winning album
Paul Thompson
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I am Paul Thompson, the executive director of the New York City Public School Arts Office.
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I am joined today by Cordelia Vive, chief of curriculum and instruction for the division of school leadership at the New York City Department of Education.
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Hannah Burson, our deputy executive director of the arts office, and other New York City public school colleagues.
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We are honored to be here today with you to discuss the important topic of arts education in New York City public schools.
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This administration is dedicated to ensuring that all students receive a well rounded culturally responsive education with arts education as a key focus.
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Dance, digital media, music theater arts, and visual arts aren't just extras.
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They're vital parts of a complete education that enable students to thrive.
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When I was appointed executive director of the arts office in September 2022, I was tasked with ensuring equitable art support for all schools and was the first building leader and practicing artist to lead this to lead the arts office in nearly thirty years.
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The arts have always been personal for me.
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Growing up as an undiagnosed dyslexic in The Bronx during the seventies and eighties, traditional school wasn't a safe or supportive space, but the arts were a safe space for me.
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I immersed in the emerging art forms of hip hop.
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I discovered discipline, the ability to tackle complex challenges, and the life affirming affirming power of self expression, ultimately leading to a master's of musical arts degree and a career in music, which most recently included being featured on the 02/2025 Grammy award winning, No More Water, The Gospel of James Baldwin by Michel Ndeghi Ocello.
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As an educator, in 02/2005, I founded the Urban Assembly School of Music and Art, a general education arts high school for students who struggled in traditional settings, which I led for eighteen years.
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In joining the arts office in 02/2002, I brought with me a wealth of experience and a deep belief in the arts as a tool for equity and transformation.
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Since then, I have focused on aligning our work for greater collaboration and impact, ensuring that every student has access to safe creative spaces where they can thrive.