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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Araya Henry, Manager of K-12 Initiatives and Youth Learning at Whitney Museum of American Art
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Araya Henry from the Whitney Museum of American Art presented on their K-12 arts education initiatives, highlighting partnerships with NYC public schools. She emphasized the museum's commitment to providing accessible arts education and its positive impact on students' academic and social-emotional development.
- Detailed a long-standing partnership with Gotham Professional Arts Academy in Brooklyn, including in-class programs, museum visits, and family engagement nights
- Introduced a new pilot program at Ellis Prep Academy in the Bronx, focusing on supporting immigrant students through art engagement
- Stressed the importance of continued investment in arts education programs for their wide-ranging benefits to students and communities
Araya Henry
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Good morning.
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Thank you Chair Rivera, Chair Joseph, and members of the committee for the opportunity to speak about the Whitney Museum of American Arts work providing arts education in New York City schools.
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I am Ariah Henry, manager of K through 12 initiatives and youth learning at the Whitney and I lead programs that serve youth audiences.
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These programs include our teen program, Youth Insights, our school visits which are free for New York City public schools, online lessons, school partnership programs, and a teacher training program called Teacher Exchange.
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Our K through 12 initiatives use works of art from our collection and special exhibitions to build critical thinking, enhance curriculum, foster dialogue, and encourage innovative classroom practices.
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Today, I want to spotlight our school partnership with Gotham Professional Arts Academy, which is a title one public high school located in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn.
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Since 02/2008, the Whitney has worked with Gotham Students and teachers.
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Each year offers in-depth multi session programs connected to classroom curriculum.
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This past year we had over four sixty touch points with Gotham's community including in class programs, museum visits, artist events, and family engagement nights.
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Students engaged with special Whitney exhibitions using art to explore themes of inheritance, identity, and social change.
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The Whitney also recognizes the critical need for arts programming that meets schools where they are.
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This spring, we are piloting a new partnership at Ellis Prep Academy, a public transfer high school in The Bronx serving newly arrived immigrant students.
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Our program brings teaching artists directly into classrooms, helping students engage with contemporary art in ways that support their language development and academic success.
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Partnerships like those at Gotham and Ellis are only possible with continued investment.
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Arts education raises academic achievement, supports social emotional learning, and builds stronger communities.
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Thank you for your leadership and commitment to ensuring equity and access in the arts.