The Art is the Heart of Life Festival: A Celebration of Arts Education and Youth Empowerment

On June 5th, ArtsConnection hosted their 2024 Benefit, aptly named “Art is the Heart of Life Festival,” at the IAC Building in Chelsea, New York City. This vibrant event brought together nearly 200 guests, including esteemed honorees and supporters, raising almost $1 million to support arts education for NYC public school students.

The evening was a spectacular tribute to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. The IAC Building was transformed into a love letter to New York City, featuring a live Statue of Liberty model, a dynamic graffiti wall, and mesmerizing dance performances by NY Chinese Cultural Chinese Dancers. Guests enjoyed live portraits and diverse food stations showcasing cuisine from each borough, including delights from Waffle and Dinges to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Renowned event designer and ArtsConnection Board Member, David Monn, curated the event’s stunning design.

Honoring Excellence and Innovation in Arts

The Benefit recognized several outstanding individuals and organizations. Among the honorees were:

• Tiffany Barrett (Teaching Artist) and Pascale Pradel (Principal, P.S. 38K), recipients of the ArtsConnection 2024 Janklow Award.
• Peter Cincotti, Jazz Pianist & Singer-Songwriter, honored as Arts Innovator and presented by Debra Harounian Peltz, Board President.
• Basil Twist, Puppeteer and MacArthur Fellow, also recognized as an Arts Innovator and presented by Rachel Watts, Executive Director.
• Sony Corporation of America, receiving a special honor presented by Debra Harounian Peltz and accepted by Braxton Midyette.

Each honoree, along with host Sandra Bookman from WABC, received a unique artwork created by an ArtsConnection student, symbolizing the profound impact of arts education on young lives.

A Legacy of Arts Education and Innovation

Reflecting on the organization’s remarkable journey over the past 45 years, Executive Director Rachel Watts shared, “During the fiscal crisis in New York, our teachers were being taken out of the schools. That’s when ArtsConnection stepped in. We were one of the first organizations to work in the schools to bring artists into the classrooms.” This pioneering spirit has driven ArtsConnection to become a leader in arts education, providing critical support to schools and students across the city.

Watts emphasized the importance of arts programs in shaping the futures of young artists. “A lot of times, New York City public school students’ parents believe their children should pursue careers as lawyers, doctors, or finance professionals. But this is the cultural capital of the world, and there are numerous jobs in lighting design, graphic design, and on Broadway that students should have access to,” she explained. This belief underscores the organization’s mission to ensure that arts remain a viable and valuable career path for NYC’s youth.

“This is a celebration of New York City arts and culture and a celebration of the young people who make it so exciting,” Watts continued. The event not only highlighted the achievements of the students but also showcased the transformative power of arts education in their lives.

Watts also highlighted ArtsConnection’s role as a pioneer in arts education, stating, “When we started, we were the education department for Ailey and Ballet Hispanico. They then began establishing their own education departments. We are the innovators of the field of arts education in New York City.”

Looking Forward

As ArtsConnection marks its 45th anniversary, the organization remains committed to providing NYC public school students with opportunities to explore and excel in the arts. The 2024 Benefit was not just a fundraiser but a celebration of the power of arts education to transform lives and communities.

For more information on how to support ArtsConnection and its mission, visit ArtsConnection.org.