2026 Recipients

Carl June – Breaking Free: Voices of Recovery on Staten Island – $3,000
Set against the backdrop of Staten Island’s North Shore, Breaking Free: Voices of Recovery on Staten Island is a documentary designed to shift the local narrative from the tragedy of addiction to the power of transformation. By featuring the authentic journeys of three residents, the film explores their experiences—from the depths of substance use to the pivotal turning points and the support systems that fueled their resilience. This community-driven project seeks to dismantle long-standing stigmas and provide a roadmap of hope for those still struggling, grounding its stories in the familiar streets of the North Shore to foster compassion and dialogue.

Carrie Ann Trubenstein – Seen in Staten Island – $3,000
Seen in Staten Island is a transformative four-month photography initiative designed to dismantle the barriers of isolation by integrating photographers with disabilities into the borough’s arts ecosystem. By pairing six established artists with disabilities with six professional peers for a reciprocal mentorship, the project replaces symbolic visibility with meaningful, sustained collaboration through shared photo walks, critiques, and career-focused dialogue. The project culminates in a public exhibition and community conversation, positioning photographers with disabilities as central, active contributors to the local culture.

Darren Corona – BIGGER IS BETTER – $3,000
BIGGER IS BETTER is an immersive ceramic installation that subverts social norms through three large-scale, stacked sculptures. Rooted in the artist’s personal experience of navigating the world from a unique physical perspective, the project utilizes exaggerated forms, vibrant textures, and playful imagery to celebrate the “beautiful absurdity” of life. Rather than imposing a singular meaning, the work functions as a multifaceted landscape of memories and encourages the local community and passersby to engage with contemporary sculpture through an open, sincere, and accessible creative process.

Grand Pepper of Reality – Insurrection: Souls Connecting – $3,000
Insurrection: Souls Connecting is a multi-format music project comprising a five-song EP and a live performance event that confronts the growing crisis of social disconnection. Through a blend of high-intensity full-band tracks and intimate solo performances, the work explores the tension between individual identity and the systemic fears—from government overreach to the influence of artificial intelligence—that drive modern alienation. The project aims to serve as a sonic rebellion against digital fragmentation, asserting that authentic self-expression and human-centered dialogue are essential for mental resilience.

Emmerline, Nelson-Rogers, PhD – What the War Didn’t Take: Ten Women. Ten Stories. – $3,000
What the War Didn’t Take: Ten Women. Ten Stories. is an episodic documentary series that archives the lived experiences of ten Liberian civil war survivors now residing on Staten Island. The project utilizes intimate, home-based interviews to break cultural silences surrounding trauma, displacement, and gender-based violence, allowing these women to reclaim their narratives after decades of unimaginable loss. By pairing personal testimony with archival media, the series explores the enduring resilience of the West African diaspora while challenging the patriarchal norms that often discourage healing. The project culminates in a public panel on Liberian Independence Day, aiming to elevate these local stories of survival into a broader dialogue on human rights, memory, and the transformative power of women’s voices.

Karen Irizarry – Community Portrait Project for Underserved Families – $3,000
Community Portrait Project for Underserved Families, is a ten-month initiative that democratizes professional photography by providing free, high-quality portrait services to families facing financial barriers. By partnering with local churches and community centers, the project creates a respectful and accessible environment where participants can document their lives with dignity. Irizarry captures authentic narratives of love and resilience, addressing the gap in visual memory preservation for marginalized households. The project challenges traditional notions of who is represented in professional imagery, offering families a sense of empowerment and visibility while building an inclusive visual archive that celebrates the diverse cultural and economic realities of the community.

Henne Van Campen – The Guadalhorce Leaves Bayonne Forever – $3,000
The Guadalhorce Leaves Bayonne Forever is a novella project that draws inspiration from the maritime history of Staten Island and the artwork of John A. Noble. The story follows a young protagonist in the early 1900s navigating the borough’s kills and bays, exploring how shifting industries and the “languages of the docks” shape identity. As the narrative culminates in a Caribbean shipwreck, the prose dissolves into poetic form, artistically examining how language both constricts and delimits the human experience in the “borderlands” of society. Supported by kayak-based coastal research and archival exploration, the project will culminate in a public reading and sea shanty session at The Noble Maritime Collection. This interactive presentation will pair the author’s writing with original photography of local boat graveyards, inviting the community to discuss the island’s evolving cultural and environmental landscape.

Imanuel Stennett – Word, Sound, Power – $3,000
Word, Sound, Power is a high-energy reggae concert and album release event designed to unify Staten Island’s diverse North Shore communities through “music with a message.” Featuring a live band, the project marks the debut of Earth Strong, an album that serves as a musical love letter to the borough while addressing contemporary social challenges with uplifting, conscious lyrics. The project aims to offer an accessible, all-ages experience that celebrates cultural heritage and collective resilience.

Ivan Estevez – Staten Island life Drawing – $3,000
These Life Drawing Workshops are a skill-building initiative designed to bring consistent, accessible portraiture and figure drawing to the geographic heart of Staten Island. The project establishes an affordable, atelier-style environment within a public-transit-friendly neighborhood. Moving beyond the “final product” focus of commercial classes, these twelve weekly sessions prioritize the foundational practice of observational study while ensuring professional models are paid a fair wage. The project culminates in a public exhibition where local artists can showcase and sell their work, fostering a sustainable creative ecosystem that integrates fine art into the daily life of Mid-Island residents.

James Francis Richards – A Mile in My Tims – $3,000
Inspired by a childhood realization that empathy requires “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes,” this project updates the traditional proverb for a contemporary audience by centering on the humanity of young Black and Brown people. The installation features four sculptural video configurations of performers wearing Timberland boots—a staple of urban fashion—using movement to metaphorically depict both personal adversity and universal human triumphs. By placing performers in abstracted spaces, the work challenges viewers to strip away preconceived biases and confront the raw human experience on screen. The gallery space aims to inspire younger generations to look beyond the surface of social media and utilize creative metaphor to tell deeper, more reflective stories.

Jenna Masoud – The Loving Daughter – $3,000
The Loving Daughter is a multi-media documentary project that archives the seven-year caregiving journey of a young Palestinian American woman navigating her grandmother’s descent into dementia. Spanning Amman, Staten Island, and Palestine, the work weaves together photography, oral histories, poetry, and archival artifacts to explore the profound transformation of identity that occurs when a granddaughter becomes a matriarchal guardian. By juxtaposing the natural erasure of memory loss with the systemic erasure of Palestinian displacement, the project serves as a vital act of cultural preservation and indigenous storytelling. Culminating in a tactile photo book and an immersive digital companion, The Loving Daughter honors the continuity of maternal lineage, offering a communal space for reflection on grief, care, and the enduring strength of the women who carry their history forward.

Joe Endozo – Air by Animal, Animal – $3,000
Air by Animal, Animal is a music video project that captures a decade-long evolution of a song rooted in Staten Island history. The project transforms a 2012 folk song into a modern anthem that explores the delicate tension between hope and despair, loss and transcendence. The video speaks to “community-minded idealists” navigating the weight of grief while choosing to “float” rather than fall. By combining high-fidelity analog cinematography with deeply personal lyricism, the project offers a meditation on legacy and impermanence, inviting a growing audience into a space of reflection and curiosity.

Justin Wood – Green and Blue Spaces – $3,000
Blue and Green Spaces is a musical suite and performance project that celebrates parks and waterways as vital sanctuaries for creative liberation. Composed and led by an acoustic quintet of jazz, classical, and folk musicians, the project features six original works inspired by local landmarks—from the expansive vistas of South Beach to the historic London Plane trees of the urban landscape. By moving the performance into accessible community venues, the project aims to demystify improvised music through educational dialogue and intimate, texture-rich arrangements. This project serves as a sonic tribute to the “indeterminant times of possibility” found in nature, offering audiences a memorable collective experience that highlights the essential connection between open space and the artistic spirit.

Keivonna Tucker – Judy Ann and the One Man Band – $3,000
Judy Ann and the One Man Band is an original, self-illustrated children’s book that celebrates the transformative power of curiosity and self-expression. The story follows a young protagonist as she navigates the joyful process of building her own imaginative musical ensemble, encouraging children to experiment with their own unique voices. The initiative culminates in a community book launch, featuring a live reading and signing that invites local families and educators to engage with the work. By partnering with schools and libraries, the project aims to foster a culture of imaginative play and contribute a new, vibrant narrative to the borough’s local literary landscape.

Lauren Naomi – The Art of Responding – $3,000
The Art of Responding is a visual art exhibition that utilizes hand-sculpted clay petals and mixed media to investigate the psychological nuances of human reaction. The project expands on the artist’s fourth-generation floral heritage by layering botanical aesthetics with themes of self-reflection and behavioral awareness. Through five distinct series—ranging from “knee-jerk” reactions on white canvases to complex “Models of Mulling” that reference historical calculation systems and REM sleep—the exhibition explores our shared human flaws and the subconscious processes that dictate how we engage with the world. By inviting viewers to examine these creative renditions of internal processing, the project seeks to foster a sense of community through transparency, suggesting that an awareness of how we respond can ultimately lead to a more thoughtful and transformed society.

Linda Butti – Senior Drawing Art Workshops – $1,600
The Senior Drawing Art Workshop is an instructional series held at the Richmondtown Library, designed to foster creative expression and community among older adults. These workshops provide an accessible environment where seniors—including those with disabilities and newcomers to the Richmondtown area—can explore the fundamentals of still life, landscape, and portraiture. The project aims to validate the continued worth and talent of its participants while stimulating cognitive and artistic growth. This collaborative initiative leverages the library’s community reach to create a welcoming space for artistic discovery, ensuring that local seniors remain active, valued, and connected contributors to Staten Island’s cultural life.

Lorenzo Mameli – Resolute – Music & Healing – $3,000
Resolute is a podcast series that investigates the intersection of music, mental health, and sustainable lifestyle change. The project uses the host’s personal weight loss journey as a catalyst for deep conversations with musicians, health professionals, and first responders about the healing power of sound. By exploring how music functions as a tool for emotional regulation, memory preservation, and physical motivation, the series offers a supportive alternative to traditional, often isolating, health narratives. Resolute aims to build a compassionate community where shared stories of perseverance and the science of music empower listeners to navigate their own paths toward transformation.

Luis Libran – Rooted in Faith: A Journey She Refused to Lose – $3,000
Rooted in Faith: A Journey She Refused to Lose is a reflective documentary that explores the life of Jacqueline Wilson, a Black woman navigating the complexities of childhood adversity, generational trauma, and spiritual endurance. Set and filmed in Staten Island, the project utilizes an evocative blend of poetry, still photography, and intimate interviews to portray growth not as a linear success story, but as an uneven and ongoing process of self-definition. By centering on the intersection of doubt and devotion, the film examines how faith is rebuilt in the absence of stability and how private survival evolves into a public voice of resilience. Culminating in a public screening and supported by a digital campaign of short-form poetic clips, the project aims to engage audiences in a profound conversation about the psychological costs of survival and the transformative power of reclaiming one’s narrative.

Mary Edwards – American Graveyard: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack/Score – $3,000
The composer and music director of American Graveyard proposes a multi-format soundtrack to accompany a documentary film centered on the erasure and recovery of Staten Island’s 19th-century Cherry Lane Cemetery. Through a small ensemble of multi-instrumentalists, the project aims to create an emotional, stand-alone musical narrative that explores social injustice, repair, and the intersection of nature with historical memory. Targeted at film score enthusiasts and those invested in African American history, the work will be supported by a “Composer’s Journal” and social media campaign designed to build momentum for the project.

Mayah Lourdes Burke – 24 Hour Plays: Staten Island -$3,000
Scheduled for Fall 2026 at Hemsley Hall, 24 Hour Plays: Staten Island is a high-speed theater festival featuring four original 15-minute plays written, rehearsed, and performed within a single day. The project aims to platform local talent by uniting a diverse team of over 30 artists from various Staten Island micro-communities. By intentionally pairing directors and playwrights from different creative backgrounds and utilizing a transparent casting draft, the initiative seeks to break down artistic silos, foster long-term collaborations, and bridge the gap between the borough’s theater scene and the broader Manhattan industry.

Melisande Echanique – The Endangered Language of Physical Presence – $3,000
The Endangered Language of Physical Presence is a dance series and workshop designed to combat the isolation and anxiety of the post-lockdown era by fostering community through movement. Utilizing site-specific improvisations and intergenerational play, the project guides dancers through a collaborative process where music, poetry, and personal memory evolve into structured choreography. By prioritizing vulnerability and “deep listening,” the initiative aims to break old patterns of suspicion and build emotional cohesion among participants. The summer-long program will culminate in an October showcase titled “Creating Community in Dark and Dangerous Times,” highlighting the power of physical presence and collective empathy as essential tools for social and personal healing.

Miho Sasaki – World Jazz Nights in Staten Island – $3,000
World Jazz Nights in Staten Island is a ten-part performance series that features international guest musicians from countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and Kyrgyzstan. Each small-ensemble concert will feature jazz arrangements of traditional cultural pieces alongside educational introductions to the guests’ musical heritage. By blending global traditions with the improvisational spirit of jazz, the project seeks to activate the local music scene and foster cross-cultural understanding within the Staten Island community. The series aims to engage local residents and jazz enthusiasts through intimate, high-quality live performances that celebrate both international diversity and the universal language of music.

Nakia Green – OWN YOUR PRESENCE: A Community Storytelling & Upcycled Fashion Art Activation – $3,000
Own Your Presence is a two-phase, community-centered art project on Staten Island’s North Shore that explores identity and sustainability through upcycled fashion. In the initial phase, artist Kia Phay conducts in-depth interviews with local residents, collecting sentimental textiles and recording personal narratives centered on memory and resilience. These materials and stories are then transformed into four handcrafted, sculptural handbags that serve as vessels of cultural history. The project culminates in an immersive installation featuring the custom bags alongside audio-visual documentation of each participant’s journey. By merging journalism, sustainable design, and public tribute, the activation honors underrepresented voices and reframes discarded materials as valuable artifacts of community identity.

Ribs GAK – Isla to Island – $3,000
Isla to Island is a large-scale public mural by artist Ribs GAK, set to transform a 30-foot by 40-foot wall in West Brighton’s Artist Alley. Curated in collaboration with Tariq Zaid of Richmond Hood Co., the project celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and the concept of diaspora, bridging the histories of Puerto Rico and Staten Island through a style that blends graffiti culture with nostalgic, animation-inspired imagery. By utilizing a site-responsive design process, the mural aims to honor Puerto Rican contributions to New York City while fostering representation and pride within the local community. The installation serves as an accessible piece of public art intended to attract residents and cultural tourists alike, strengthening Staten Island’s visibility as a vibrant hub for contemporary street art.

Savannah Summers – The Backrooms – $3,000
The Backrooms is a multidisciplinary visual and musical project that explores themes of memory, liminality, and emotional renewal through a full-length album and accompanying short films. The project utilizes “New Topographic” visual aesthetics to create an immersive world accessible through both live listening events on Staten Island and an interactive 3D website. This digital environment serves as a navigable creative third space, allowing audiences to explore music and art at their own pace while fostering meaningful collaboration among local and city-wide creatives. By blending physical merchandise, site-specific events, and innovative web design, the project seeks to move beyond passive consumption to create a community rooted in reflection, accessibility, and collective transformation.

Allen Cohen – Folk Tales, Tunes and Songs From the Southern Appalachians – $5,000
Folk Tales and Songs From the Southern Appalachians is a traveling performance designed to bring the rich cultural heritage of North Carolina and Virginia to four New York Public Library branches across Staten Island. Hosted by Allen Cohen, Emily Cohen, and Mark Farrell, the family-friendly program features traditional storytelling and live music performed on authentic stringed instruments, including the mountain dulcimer and resonator guitar. By exploring genres like Bluegrass and Scots-Irish ballads, the trio aims to educate audiences on the transition of Appalachian life from the mountains to industrial towns while fostering a new generation of folk music enthusiasts through engaging performances and keepsake educational programs.

Ann McDonnell – The Bird Named Goldilocks – $3,950
This project involves the creation of a children’s book, The Bird Named Goldilocks, inspired by the artist’s 1994 Public Art Fund bronze sculpture located in Clove Lakes Park. Utilizing a blend of printmaking, watercolor, and collage, the book reinterprets the classic fairy tale through a nature-focused lens to encourage environmental awareness and dialogue between children and caregivers. The project will culminate in a public celebration, reading, and art workshop.

Caryn Davis – Rhythms of Change: An Altered Book Project – $5,000
Rhythms of Change is a creative collaboration between the Staten Island NAACP Youth Council and the Staten Island Museum that empowers teens ages 13–18 to explore social justice through art. Facilitated at the Central Family Life Center, the program guides participants in transforming discarded books into “altered books” inspired by music. By merging musical analysis with hands-on techniques like collage and 3D construction, the project builds creative confidence in non-artists and culminates in a Juneteenth celebration. At this final event, youth transition into roles as community educators, showcasing their work and distributing a professional booklet of their artist statements to highlight the collective power of visual and musical expression.

Castleton Avenue Merchants Organization – Harvest Moon Festival – $5,000
The Harvest Moon Festival transforms Castleton Avenue into a vibrant, car-free pedestrian space designed to inspire community “play” and connection. Recognized by the DOT as a model for citywide programming, the festival features large-scale, immersive visual art installations—such as recycled-material tunnels and nine-foot trees—alongside live music, culinary offerings, and inclusive “barrier-free” activities. By blending magic and creativity, the festival seeks to showcase the community’s inventive spirit while providing a safe, joyful environment where neighbors of all ages can reimagine their urban landscape.

Cynthia Rodriguez – VAUNT – $5,000
VAUNT is a performance series and community dialogue platform designed to celebrate local artists while sparking essential social conversations. The 2026 series features two major showcases that blend professional performances—including spoken word, music, and multimedia art—with an open mic and art gallery experience. By providing a stage for diverse creators and integrating local small businesses, VAUNT aims to bridge community divides and drive the local economy. The project empowers artists to “boast” of their talents while inviting the audience to engage directly through open dialogue, fostering an inclusive environment where creative expression serves as a catalyst for collective change.

Dana Santapaola – Bringing Life to Death – $5,000
Bringing Life to Death: An Art Exhibition is a multidisciplinary project that transforms Casey Funeral Home into a public arts space to normalize conversations around mortality, grief, and remembrance. Curated by artists Dana Santapaola and Christine Cruz, the fall exhibition features a diverse array of painting, sculpture, poetry, and film, alongside educational Q&A panels with death-care professionals. By utilizing a traditionally somber venue for creative engagement and interactive workshops, the project aims to reduce the stigma surrounding end-of-life discussions and foster community meaning-making. Through free public access and a blend of artistic disciplines, the initiative invites artists, grieving individuals, and the general public to explore the beauty of impermanence in a supportive, nontraditional environment.

David Nudelman – School Spirit Enterprise – $3,000
School Spirit Enterprise is an educational initiative led by David Nudelman and a team of creative professionals to produce a comprehensive book and video series on launching school-based clothing brands. The project distills 17 years of entrepreneurial experience and a decade of teaching into actionable lessons on financial literacy, design, and business operations. By incorporating real-world stories from Staten Island educators and providing hands-on video tutorials, the project aims to equip students and administrators with the tools to run self-sustaining merchandise businesses. Through a robust multi-platform digital strategy, Nudelman seeks to transform local classroom successes into a global resource for fostering creative entrepreneurship and community building.

Diane Matyas – The Luna Park Elephant: A Shadow Theatre Performance – $5,000
The Luna Park Elephant Project is a multimedia performance and exhibition series that brings to life the 1904 narrative of Alice, an Asian elephant who famously swam across the Narrows to Staten Island. Led by creative director Diane Matyas, the project culminates in a diverse array of storytelling techniques, including shadow puppetry, “crankie” theatre, and immersive soundscapes. The initiative features a debut at the Object Movement Puppetry Festival, a solo gallery exhibition of storyboard drawings, and a five-week residency at Art on the Block. By blending historical research with live performance and public workshops, Matyas aims to explore themes of animal welfare, captivity, and freedom, ultimately inviting audiences to re-examine a profound local legend through a modern artistic lens.

Dona Kiriella – Where Nature Rests: South Asian Women in Bloom – $5,000
Where Nature Rests: South Asian Women in Bloom is an eco-friendly exhibition that explores South Asian identity and decolonization through the artistry of natural batik dyeing and acrylic painting. The project features a curated collection of sarees, scarves, and paintings representing the eight nations of South Asia, utilizing regional flora and handmade natural dyes to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. By blending traditional craftsmanship with minimalist aesthetics and Buddhist themes of serenity, the initiative seeks to challenge colonial hierarchies and offer a therapeutic space for reflection. Ultimately, the exhibition aims to amplify the visibility of Staten Island’s vibrant South Asian artist community, providing a vital platform for marginalized voices to redefine self-expression and contribute to the contemporary global art discourse.

Donna Napoli-Steele – Chasing The Light – $5,000
Chasing The Light is a multidisciplinary exhibition that merges traditional watercolor techniques with innovative, eco-conscious sculpture to advocate for environmental conservation. The project features watercolor paintings and sculptures crafted from up-cycled cardboard, styrofoam, and willow-framed illuminated lanterns. In collaboration with students from Notre Dame Academy and the Children’s Aid Society, the initiative includes a youth-led exhibition of wildlife lanterns and a special “star-shaped” display to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. By utilizing high-traffic venues and the historical Biddle & Rutan-Beckett House Museums, the project aims to illuminate the beauty of endangered wildlife and inspire a broader audience to reimagine the intersection of art, education, and ecological protection.

Douglas Cala – Behind Papyrus: Poetic Reflections – $5,000
Behind Papyrus: Poetic Reflections is a long-form documentary and multimedia project that archives and elevates the cultural contributions of six veteran Staten Island poets. The project combines intimate interviews, roundtable discussions, and archival footage to explore themes of identity, creative process, and the societal impact of poetry. The initiative aims to strengthen the borough’s cultural narrative through inclusive storytelling and public engagement. The documentary will culminate in screenings at local venues, featuring post-film discussions designed to foster connections between established artists, youth, and the broader public while challenging external perceptions of Staten Island’s artistic landscape.

Emanuel Xavier – Still, We Are Sacred: Community Writing & Witness – $5,000
Still, We Are Sacred: Community Writing & Witness is a public poetry initiative consisting of interactive workshops and a culminating showcase hosted in partnership with the New York Public Library’s Staten Island branches. Facilitated by lead poet Emanuel Xavier, the project offers a low-barrier space for residents—particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and working-class participants—to explore themes of survival, identity, and belonging through creative nonfiction and verse. By guiding community members through accessible writing prompts and providing a platform for public performance, the program aims to demystify poetry and transform it into a communal tool for reflection and connection. The series will conclude with a curated public reading and digital documentation, ensuring that the diverse voices and stories of Staten Islanders are preserved and celebrated as vital cultural narratives.

Gabri Christa – Staaten Eylandt Danst – $5,000
This multidisciplinary project is a creative non-fiction essay and live “talk/dance” performance that explores the historical parallels between Staten Island’s dance legacy and its Dutch colonial past. The work uses a personal, “braided” narrative to connect the artist’s birthplace in Curaçao and childhood in the Netherlands to local landmarks. By integrating projected media, previous collaborations with Curtis High School students, and site-specific performances at venues like Holterman’s Bakery, the project aims to uncover hidden histories—such as the stories of the first enslaved people on the island—while celebrating the arts as a means of finding home. Ultimately, this intimate performance seeks to provide Staten Islanders with a deeper understanding of their community’s identity through the intersection of movement, history, and personal memoir.

Josue Mendez – Community Mural 2026 – $5,000
The Community Mural 2026 project returns to I.S. 27 to create a unity-themed artwork on a 30-foot schoolyard wall facing Forest Avenue. Over the course of four weeks, a team of six artists will lead student design workshops, prepare the site, and host community painting days where participants of all ages will receive hands-on instruction. The initiative aims to build on past success by engaging even more local residents during the warmer weather. The project will culminate in a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring music, refreshments, and a final reveal of the completed mural.

Julia Aponte – “Novaturient” Instrumental EP – $5,000
Novaturient is a contemporary classical EP exploring the desire of change through four orchestrated compositions that mirror the arduous process of personal transformation. Blending high-quality MIDI with live instruments, the project sonically represents themes of spiritual awakening, internal conflict, and the refinement of the soul. Through this deeply personal work, the artist aims to capture the universal “growing pains” of self-discovery.

Julie Maniscalco – Julie Maniscalco Dectet: Inside Out – $4,072
Julie Maniscalco Dectet: Inside Out is a one-night performance featuring original jazz compositions that explore the complexities of the human experience. This performance will debut new works alongside a repertoire tackling themes of grief, anxiety, and hope. Led by Maniscalco, the 10-piece ensemble is an array of musicians from the NYC jazz scene alongside Staten Island talent, including local youth performers.

Kathryn Carse – Typewriting for the Neo Analog Age – $5,000
Typing in the Neo-Analog Age is an intergenerational “Type-In” event at the Noble Maritime Collection designed to celebrate the history and tactile focus of manual writing machines. Featuring a keynote by renowned collector Tony Casillo—who will showcase a rare 1892 Brooks typewriter—the event offers attendees a distraction-free “unplugged” environment to engage in typing speed tests, collaborative writing, and typewriter art. By providing machines for public use, the project invites everyone to experience the mechanical immediacy of the Analog Movement. Participants will explore the typewriter as both a creative tool and a historical artifact.

Kelly Vilar – Paper Doll Revolution: Merging of History and Present Day Sheroes Through Paper Doll Making – $4,200
The Paper Doll Revolution is a multi-generational folk art initiative launching for Women’s History Month, designed to celebrate historical and contemporary “sheroes” through the accessible medium of paper doll making. Led by artists Kelly Vilar and Everet Curry, the project features community collage workshops where participants learn about iconic figures—such as Shirley Chisholm and Audre Lorde—while creating mixed-media figures for public display. The initiative aims to educate the community on marginalized women’s narratives, culminating in an exhibition at the Staten Island Urban Center’s Gallery featuring historian remarks and youth performances. Following the live event, a permanent virtual presentation will be hosted on YouTube to ensure these stories and artistic contributions remain accessible to a wider audience.

Kenneth Graham – Man-Up – A Community Festival – $5,000
MAN-UP! is a free, multidisciplinary festival, in recognition of International Men’s Day and the positive contributions of men to society. Led by Fatherhood Matters of Staten Island, the event creates a safe space for emotional expression and dialogue through live music, a graffiti art exhibit, spoken word, and a live-streamed panel discussion exploring masculinity, mental health, and resilience. By blending celebration with reflection, MAN-UP! aims to break down the isolation caused by traditional gender expectations and foster a more empathetic, connected community.

Keri Sheheen – Parlor Trick Print Exchange 2026 – $4,500
The Parlor Trick Print Exchange enters its fifth year by inviting artists to explore the theme “Human” through traditional, hand-pulled printmaking methods like etching and woodcut. Participants will create an edition of twelve prints, receiving in return a curated collector’s box containing ten random works from other artists, with all postage and administrative costs covered to minimize financial barriers. This initiative fosters a national creative network by showcasing each artist’s work through a dedicated virtual exhibition and website designed to drive traffic to their personal portfolios. By archiving select prints and leveraging social media for process-sharing, the program serves as both a physical exchange and a digital promotional tool for the contemporary printmaking community.

Kimbra Eberly – The Great Staten Island Lawn Ornament Heist – $5,000
The Great Staten Island Lawn Ornament Heist is an original, three-act comedy debuting co-written by Kimbra Eberly and Christopher Mancuso, the play follows a no-nonsense woman’s hilarious crusade against over-the-top holiday decor and features a unique Mad Lib–style interactive format where audience prompts are woven into the script in real time. This innovative approach aims to foster community connection and explore local identity through a collaborative, unpredictable theatrical experience. The project seeks to provide inclusive, high-quality programming that turns spectators into active participants in the creative process.

Kyoko Heshiimu – Don’t Call Me Grandma – $5,000
Don’t Call Me Grandma is a children’s book that playfully explores the diverse and personal names families use for grandmothers, inspired by the author’s own journey into grandmotherhood. Featuring vibrant acrylic and collage illustrations, the story honors the individuality and dignity of grandmothers who seek titles beyond tradition. The project includes a series of readings at libraries and schools starting around Grandmother’s Day, supported by a digital presence that documents the creative process. This book serves as a heartfelt tribute to the vital role grandparents play as caregivers and anchors within the family unit.

Matthew Figueroa – Poetry in the Park Season 6 – $5,000
Poetry in the Park Season 6 is a free, outdoor open mic and workshop series, dedicated to bridging community gaps through the power of the written word. Managed by Matthew Figueroa and Thomas Fucaloro, this season features four unique events, including a hip-hop-infused poetry session at Ferryhawk Stadium, a Dungeons & Dragons-themed slam, and a multidisciplinary workshop combining Tai Chi and collage. By partnering with the Staten Island Urban Arts Center, the program intentionally engages local youth and emerging voices, fostering a safe space for vulnerability and intersectional dialogue. Ultimately, the series seeks to demystify poetry and make high-quality literary engagement accessible to all, regardless of zip code or prior experience.

Milenka Berengolc – I died a million deaths, a memoir – $3,600
I Died a Million Deaths is a multidisciplinary memoir project designed to de-stigmatize mental illness by sharing her journey through trauma, immigration, and a bipolar diagnosis. The project centers on the completion and self-publication of her memoir, culminating in a reading and signing that will feature both literary and visual art born from her experiences. Drawing on her background as a mental health peer advocate and interdisciplinary artist, Berengolc will also facilitate a creative writing workshop to provide others a safe space to process their own emotional struggles. The project seeks to replace shame with hope, reframing mental health challenges as tangible sources of creativity and advocacy while promoting trauma-informed care within the community.

Roemello Agjmurati – or, also, always. [working title] – $5,000
or, also, always. is a commemorative book by designer Roemello Agjmurati that serves as the final culmination of his 365, Proof of Life project, which began as a daily digital poster series on Instagram. Following a successful solo exhibition and a featured showcase in the Staten Island Museum’s Here You Are triennial, this publication will catalogue all 365 posters alongside documentation of his artistic journey and mental health advocacy. Agjmurati plans to host a public launch and artist talk at the Staten Island Museum, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of his original gallery debut. By donating stock to the museum’s permanent collection and sharing his emotional and creative process, the artist aims to encourage emerging creators and highlight the vital role of the local arts community in fostering professional confidence.

Ramon Tenefrancia – TAKE THE STAGE: Encore – Lucia di Lammermoor – $5,000
TAKE THE STAGE: Encore is a fully staged production of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor appearing at Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s Great Hall, featuring the NYC Orchestra Project and talent from the Manhattan School of Music. This initiative aims to establish Staten Island as a premier training ground for emerging artists by providing paid, professional performance opportunities that bridge the gap between conservatory and career. By utilizing strategic partnerships and resources, the project brings high-caliber opera to a borough often underserved by the genre, offering ticketed shows alongside free rehearsals and performances for local schools and senior centers. Ultimately, the program seeks to foster a sustainable artistic pipeline that enriches Staten Island’s cultural landscape while removing financial barriers for both performers and audiences.

Raymond Scro – The Mandolin Project: Cultural/Family Connections – $5,000
This project involves the transcription, arrangement, and performance of a rare, early 20th-century mandolin manuscript brought to the United States from Italy by the artist’s grandfather, Gisoue Zinicola. Featuring original compositions by Italian teacher Carlo Filosa, the melodies—including waltzes, mazurkas, and quadrilles—will be harmonized and orchestrated for a mandolin ensemble using classical techniques like counter-melody and modulation. The project will culminate in a public performance by members of the New York Mandolin Ensemble, conducted by Steven Antonelli. By transforming these inherited scores into fully realized arrangements, the artist seeks to preserve a personal family legacy and share a unique piece of Italian-American musical heritage with the community.

Richard Rojas – Friendsgiving at Faber – $5,000
Friendsgiving at Faber is a community festival at Faber Skatepark that centers people of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals within the historically male-dominated worlds of skateboarding and extreme sports. This free event transforms the traditional festival model into a potluck-style “chosen family” celebration, featuring live music, skate demonstrations, yoga, and collaborative art. By partnering with local businesses to ensure food accessibility, the project fosters a space for cultural exchange and gratitude, specifically supporting those who may feel marginalized during traditional holidays. This inclusive initiative combines athleticism and activism to strengthen local support systems, providing a safe, affirming environment where diversity is not just included, but celebrated as the core of the community.

Robert Geronimo – Geronimo Draws — Art of Legend & Light – $5,000
Geronimo Draws — Art of Legend & Light is a softcover art book and gallery exhibition debuting at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. Created by illustrator and art history professor Robert Geronimo, the project explores the intersection of mythology, biblical narratives, and dark fantasy through detailed black-and-white drawings and personal reflections. By combining contemporary illustration with a public artist talk and signing, the project aims to make complex spiritual and historical traditions accessible to the community through a unified visual language.

Rocio Uchofen – Memory and Survival – $2,550
Memory and Survival is a series of four online writing workshops designed to explore the narratives, symbols, and resilience of the Latino, Latinx, and Hispanic communities in the face of discrimination and vulnerability. Facilitated by Rocio Uchofen with the support of published authors like Richard Parra, PhD, the project focuses on themes of immigration, memory, and the power of the written word as a tool for endurance. The workshops invite participants of all backgrounds to document their lived experiences and perspectives. The initiative will culminate in the publication of a bilingual collection of stories, aiming to amplify immigrant voices and preserve the vital personal histories that define their journey in the United States.

Samantha Ong – how to map a tree – $3,000
how to map a tree is a sequence of immersive drawings and paintings on large wooden panels that explores the intimate landscapes of individual trees within Mariners Marsh Park. Moving from the neighborhood-wide focus of previous work to a deeply personal scale, the artist uses the birch—a resilient “pioneer species”—as a focal point for an exercise in close observation and texture. By documenting the unique niches, bark, and seasonal changes of singular trees, the project encourages viewers to move beyond generalized views of nature and practice slowing down to understand subjects as they truly are. This endeavor seeks to foster a more thoughtful connection between the public and their environment, suggesting that the curiosity required to know a tree is the same empathy needed to care for one’s human neighbors.

Sitewave Cinema – Wavestock Festival – $5,000
Wavestock Festival is an all-day multidisciplinary event at Flagship Brewery, celebrating its eighth year. Produced by Sitewave Cinema in collaboration with Crossfire Sound Productions, the festival transforms the taproom into a pop-up movie theater featuring a large-scale LCD screen, red carpet, and professional lighting to showcase local films and music videos. The event serves as a creative “melting pot,” alternating film screenings with live musical acts and a dedicated vendor market for local artisans. By expanding outreach to high school and college filmmakers and community partnerships, Wavestock aims to provide high-end production value and networking opportunities for Staten Island’s emerging and established talents, fostering a dedicated local film culture accessible to audiences of all ages.

Los Delgados/Team Salsa – The 2026 Los Delgados Festival – $5,000
The Los Delgados Festival is a three-day annual community celebration established by musician Eddy I., produced by Team Salsa. This year’s installment includes a live-band open mic, followed by a community “Team Salsa Timeout” featuring games and a movie marathon. The festival culminates in a high-energy finale, showcasing twelve musical acts alongside live interactive art and local vendors. By providing a professional platform for both neighborhood talent and visiting performers, the event seeks to combat the “forgotten borough” stigma and foster a vibrant, inclusive environment where Staten Island’s dense creative community can take center stage.

Teresa Caliari Olya – An Afternoon with a Snug – $3,000
An Afternoon with a Snug is a four-part workshop series at the Noble Maritime Collection held in conjunction with the exhibit We Who are Weary, which explores the creative lives of retired sailors formerly in residence at Snug Harbor. Led by Teresa Caliari and local artists, these free Saturday sessions invite the community to create modern interpretations of traditional sailor crafts, including macramé, basket weaving, and hand-painted ceramics. The program blends hands-on making with historical context, featuring portrait photography by Michael McWeeney, sea shanties with Bob Wright, and writing prompts inspired by the sailors’ own memoirs and poetry. Designed as a pilot for future educational offerings, the series fosters self-expression and community identity by connecting maritime history to contemporary artistic practice for participants of all skill levels.

Thomas Ferrie – Punk Rock Mini Golf – Season VI – $5,000
Punk Rock Mini-Golf celebrates its sixth year as an immersive, family-friendly festival at Maker Park in Stapleton. The event features a unique 9-hole mini-golf course where each hole is a collaborative art piece honoring punk history, with new additions this year highlighting the influences of Emo, Hardcore, and Reggae. Over two weekends, the festival will host 20 local bands representing a diverse range of ages, genders, and ethnicities, alongside local food vendors. By offering accessible tickets and free admission for children under 12, the project—led by the applicant in collaboration with Maker Park Radio and Makerspace—aims to dismantle stereotypes of the genre and provide an inclusive, safe space that celebrates punk’s vibrant contributions to art and community.

Thomas Fucaloro – Poetry in Motion Season 5 – $4,990
Poetry in Motion returns for its fifth season, pairing local poets with cinematographers to create high-quality poetry videos that document the human experience. This year’s series marks a strategic move to the Staten Island Urban Center for its premiere, deepening a partnership that includes a dedicated one-minute video series featuring the center’s youth poets. By combining in-person screenings with a robust digital presence on YouTube and social media—which has already garnered over 10,000 views and global recognition from platforms like Button Poetry—the project seeks to bridge Staten Island’s North and South Shores with the broader NYC arts community. Ultimately, the series aims to uplift the underrepresented medium of spoken word through film, providing artists with a global springboard while fostering diverse, soulful storytelling centered on self-expression and community connection.

Trent Whisenant – From Lament to Light – $5,000
This choral concert program, at Trinity Lutheran Church, creates a profound dialogue between historical mourning and contemporary social justice by pairing Jan Dismas Zelenka’s Baroque Requiem with Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed. Under the direction of Trent Whisenant, a professional chamber choir and string ensemble will perform Thompson’s moving tribute to seven unarmed Black men—including Staten Island’s Eric Garner—centering the performance on themes of grief, injustice, and communal healing. The program concludes with a work focused on peace and light, offering a space for collective reflection and forward-looking resolve for the Staten Island community. The project aims to engage diverse audiences and bridge the gap between sacred musical traditions and urgent contemporary civic themes.

Volker Goetze – New Album Flamenkora Release 2026 ReSound – $5,000
FlamenKora is a global music collaboration featuring Brazilian guitarist Roberto Monteiro, Senegalese kora virtuoso Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko, and jazz trumpeter Volker Goetze. This project supports the release of their album, ReSound, which weaves together West African griot heritage, Brazilian flamenco, and contemporary jazz to explore themes of migration and solidarity. The project will culminate in a multi-continental effort to provide a “resonant space” for decolonial perspectives and intercontinental artistic renewal.

Women’s Playwright Collective – Women’s Playwright Collective: New Worlds – One-Act Original Plays – $5,000
Women’s Playwright Collective: New Worlds supports playwrights Catherine Crimmins and Kerry Robison in expanding their original 10-minute plays into fully realized 45-minute one-act works, covering themes ranging from apocalyptic girlhood to the complexities of grief. By providing professional mentorship, developmental readings, and full production services at no cost to the artists, Women’s Playwright Collective removes the financial and logistical burdens often found in traditional festivals. As the only incubator of its kind in the borough, the project seeks to cultivate a robust culture of original theater on Staten Island, specifically centering women-identifying voices and offering local audiences a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of new dramatic works.

Community Arts Commission – Westerleigh Folk Festival 2026 (WestFest 19) – $5,000
Westerleigh Folk Festival is a free, multicultural, and multigenerational day of art for the greater Staten Island community to support and showcase artists. WestFest will include a diverse array of disciplines, including music, handcrafted items, dance, fine art, and more. They will have two stages for performing artists, as well as a designated area for artists to display their work. The organizers continue to further diversify its artists and build a creative space that connects and showcases creatives from different communities, generations, and cultures.

Concord Choral Consortium (C3) – Bold and Brash, Blue and Tender: American Music changed the World – $5,000
Bold and Brash, Blue and Tender: American Music changed the World is a choral performance featuring a mix of volunteer and professional singers, the concert explores the unique “American persona” through a diverse repertoire of jazz, gospel, folk, and classical styles. The project aims to provide high-quality acoustic music to the local community while fostering cultural unity through community partnerships. By highlighting music that departs from traditional European norms, C3 seeks to celebrate the joy and heartache of the American experience for a broad audience of residents, students, and fellow musicians.

Maker Park Radio – Maker Park Radio’s Music & Art Festival Series – $5,000
Maker Park Radio’s Music & Art Festival Series is a four-month outdoor residency at MakerPark featuring diverse themed events ranging from a 9th-anniversary “circus-punk” fest to celebrations of AfroFuture, Alt-Country, and experimental hyper-pop. Co-curated by volunteer DJs and a community committee, the 2026 series aims to provide a welcoming, multigenerational space that supports local and “imported” artists through a dedicated “artist-first” payment policy. Beyond music, the festivals integrate art markets, dance floors, and educational ties to the station’s SONIQLAB program, specifically targeting underrepresented creators and youth audiences. By keeping entry accessible and fostering connections between local businesses and the arts, Maker Park Radio seeks to activate MakerPark while expanding Staten Island’s cultural and musical horizons.

Moonlight Productions NYC – The Staten Island Senior Acting Troupe – $5,000
The Staten Island Senior Acting Troupe provides an inclusive theatrical space for adults ages 60+ to engage in acting, music, and storytelling. The project culminates in a series of live, intergenerational performances designed to challenge age-related stereotypes and combat social isolation. By blending artistic training with a therapeutic approach, the troupe encourages seniors to take creative risks and share personal narratives, fostering cognitive engagement and deep social bonds. The program serves as a vital community bridge, empowering older adults as visible creative contributors while inspiring audiences of all ages through the power of live theater.

Project Caribbean – Taste of the Caribbean Arts Series – $3,000
The Taste of the Caribbean Folklore Series is an immersive initiative designed to preserve and celebrate the heritage of Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago through a vibrant tapestry of art and tradition. The 2026 program includes summer workshops in drumming, dance, and storytelling, a visual arts exhibition, and high-profile performances. The series provides free access to Caribbean music, traditional costumes, and culinary demonstrations. The project seeks to foster cross-cultural unity and equity, utilizing interactive workshops and collaborative showcases to ensure these diverse oral histories and artistic identities continue to thrive for future generations.

Richmond Choral Society – Joyful Legacy – $5,000
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the Richmond Choral Society will present Joyful Legacy! featuring a 41-member chorus, the “reunion” concert will include a string quartet, percussion, and professional soloists performing a diverse repertoire that spans from Handel to contemporary composers like Eric Whitacre. The program honors the ensemble’s long history while looking toward the future, blending sacred and secular works that highlight the communal power of singing. Additionally, the event will uphold RCS tradition by featuring a solo performance from the winner of the Linda and Harald Reiersen Scholarship, supporting a Staten Island high school senior pursuing collegiate vocal studies.

ROZA Promotions – The Staten Island African Cultural Arts & Heritage Festival – $3,000
The Staten Island African Cultural Arts & Heritage Festival is a public celebration designed to preserve and present the vibrant traditions of West Africa through live music, dance, and storytelling. Led by two veteran African artists, the program ensures cultural authenticity by showcasing living traditions such as drumming exhibitions, oral history presentations, and traditional textile displays. The festival emphasizes community exchange and education, offering interactive demonstrations and contextual explanations to help diverse audiences understand the social values and history behind the art forms. By featuring both professional practitioners and youth performance groups, the event fosters an intergenerational appreciation of West African heritage.

Seaview Playwright’s Theater – American Son – $4,800
Sea View Playwright’s Theatre will present American Son, a contemporary drama by Christopher Demos-Brown that examines race, identity, and systemic injustice. Set within a police station during a single night, the play follows an interracial couple seeking answers about their detained teenage son, exploring how privilege and perception influence both public institutions and personal relationships. The production aims to move beyond social media polarization to foster collective reflection and empathy. By tackling the complexities of parental fear and law enforcement responsibility, the company seeks to provide a space for vital dialogue on real-world tensions, proving the necessity of art that invites accountability and human connection.

SI Philharmonic – America250: The Best of US – $5,000
AMERICA250: The Best of US is a concert series to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Taking place in July 2026 across various Staten Island landmarks, the program features dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence and Emma Lazarus’s The New Colossus, alongside a diverse repertoire celebrating the contributions of immigrant composers like Irving Berlin and Leonard Bernstein. Highlights include excerpts from Hamilton and Porgy and Bess performed by local vocalists and Broadway veterans, as well as a musical salute to the Armed Services. By blending patriotic fanfares with an interactive community sing-along, the project aims to reflect on the nation’s history and the unifying power of American music.

SI Shakespearean Theatre – SIST Presents: Women’s Playwrights Collective – New Voices – $5,000
The Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company (SIST) and the Women’s Playwrights Collective (WPC) are continuing their partnership for the 2026 Not Forgotten Play Festival, featuring the New Voices showcase of original 10-minute plays. This eight-month initiative focuses on amplifying historically marginalized voices through structured workshops and script development, utilizing professional writers to mentor local playwrights. SIST provides comprehensive production support—including technical equipment, marketing, and access to professional directors and designers—to bring these contemporary works to life. The project culminates in a series of live performances, reinforcing the borough’s vibrant arts scene through the celebration of original, female-led storytelling.

Spotlight Theatre Company – Summer Theatre  LIVE on Stage! – $5,000
Spotlight Summer Stage is a youth-focused musical theatre initiative produced by the Spotlight Theatre Company. Serving youth ages 8–18, the Summer 2026 program offers professional training in acting, singing, and movement through productions like School of Rock and Madagascar. Beyond artistic mastery, the program emphasizes social-emotional development and teamwork through collaborative ensemble work and community-building camp activities. The project fosters a new generation of artists while strengthening Staten Island’s civic and cultural connections through accessible, high-quality live theatre.

The Mighty String Demons – Welcome Solstice! – $1,600
Welcome Solstice! is a family-oriented concert featuring young violinists alongside guest bassist Kazuo Nakamura and guitarist Nicole Azzarelli, performing a diverse repertoire that includes Vivaldi’s “Winter,” Native American flute melodies, and traditional folk hymns. The program blends musical performance with educational storytelling, exploring the science of the solstice and cultural traditions through music and poetry. By showcasing young performers in an interactive setting—including sleigh bells and audience poetry readings—the ensemble aims to inspire a new generation of listeners, fostering an appreciation for how live classical and folk music can vividly describe the changing seasons and enrich the local community.

The New York Concert Opera – The Final Act – $5,000
The Final Act is a concert production featuring the climactic final acts of three operatic masterpieces: Verdi’s Rigoletto, Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. By focusing on these pivotal moments of fate, love, and tragedy, the project aims to make the “grand opera” experience accessible and relatable to a broad audience. Featuring a collaborative ensemble of local community members and professional musicians, the performance seeks to demonstrate the emotional power of music in depicting universal human experiences.

Yakkhanadha – Sabaragamu Wannam – $5,000
Sabaragamu Wannam is a preservation and performance project dedicated to the vanishing Sabaragamuwa dance tradition of Sri Lanka. Led by Uthpala Eroshan and a team of traditional musicians, the initiative seeks to record and publicly perform the classical songs (wannam) and intricate drum rhythms unique to this ritualistic art form. By combining traditional Sri Lankan drums, flute, and vocals, the project aims to rekindle interest in these ancient melodies and safeguard them for future generations.

Viva Voce Chamber Ensemble – Summer Sundays at High Rock 2026 – $5,000
Summer Sundays at High Rock is a weekly outdoor concert series taking place throughout August 2026 in High Rock Park. Featuring various Viva Voce ensembles, the program highlights acoustic performances ranging from woodwind and brass quintets to a folk-era sing-along. This year’s series specifically champions local composers and integrates environmental advocacy, pairing rarely-heard music with practical conservation tips to encourage a deeper connection with the natural world. Designed to be accessible and family-friendly, the series offers a relaxed, unamplified listening experience for a diverse audience, supported by partnerships with the NYC Parks Department and the Greenbelt Conservancy to foster community engagement and ecological awareness.

David Nudelman – Making the World A Better Place with Graphic Design – $2,500
Fifth-grade students at P.S. 21 will be challenged to think like designers while working together to create a design for a campaign t-shirt for their elementary school on the theme of making the community a better place. Students will be engaged in illustration, graphic design, marketing, screen printing, and journaling their experiences.

SI Philharmonic – Mentoring Band Members at Port Richmond – $2,500
The Mentoring Band Members at Port Richmond program provides twelve intensive, small-group instructional sessions led by professional teaching artists. Focusing on brass, woodwind, and percussion, the project goes beyond technical mastery of music literacy and teamwork to help students place their diverse repertoire—ranging from classical to film scores—into meaningful historical and cultural contexts. The initiative serves as a bridge to future success by providing career mentorship and guidance on higher education opportunities in the arts. By fostering a nurturing and rigorous environment, the program empowers students from low-income families to reach their highest potential and prepares them for professional paths in the music industry and beyond.

Amari Hines

“Vibrant Tie-Dye for Artful Souls” is a weekly 2–3 hour workshop series where seniors create wearable art using tie-dye techniques. The program encourages self-expression, creativity, and confidence, helping participants reconnect with their “inner child” through hands-on design of t-shirts and clothing. Each session introduces different techniques, color palettes, and themes (e.g., spirals, earth tones), with participants helping choose themes to foster engagement. The workshops are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with adaptable setups and supportive instruction for varying needs. The program culminates in a lively public fashion show where seniors model their creations, share their artistic experiences, and celebrate their work. The event also includes interactive tie-dye activities for attendees, raffles of participant-made items, and a festive, community-centered atmosphere.

Caryn Davis

“Older and Bolder: An Altered Book Project” is a twice-weekly, 25+ hour art workshop for seniors where participants transform discarded hardcover books into personalized art pieces using techniques like collage, painting, and paper crafting. The program encourages reflection on participants’ past experiences and future aspirations, emphasizing resilience, creativity, and growth at any age. The workshops are supported by a multigenerational team of past participants and young artists, who assist with facilitation and engagement. Recruitment includes presentations, testimonials, and hands-on intro activities. Led by an experienced educator and peer counselor, the program focuses on creating a supportive, confidence-building environment. It concludes with a public celebration and a professionally designed booklet featuring participants’ work and artist statements.

Kathryn Carse

Kathryn’s project is a creative writing and illustration workshop for seniors focused on storytelling, self-expression, and collaboration. Participants will create illustrated fables and poems in a supportive, low-pressure environment that helps them overcome self-doubt and build confidence in their creative abilities. Sessions (twice weekly, 1.5 hours each) combine individual and group work, including collaboratively writing fables through prompts and developing meaningful morals. Reading work aloud is a key component, fostering appreciation, connection, and shared creativity. A unique element of the program is the use of typewriters to produce a final booklet of participants’ illustrated fables, adding both nostalgia and a distinctive aesthetic. The program will be promoted through center communications and emphasizes encouragement and accessibility. It culminates in a public presentation featuring dramatic readings and a display of the completed booklet, with a focus on helping participants feel confident sharing their work.

Paulette Young

Paulette’s project is a line dancing program for seniors designed to promote physical health, cognitive engagement, and social connection. Participants will learn choreographed dances that improve balance, coordination, memory, and cardiovascular health, while fostering a sense of community through group movement. The program is inclusive of all ability levels, offering adaptations such as chair dancing, supported standing, simplified steps, and more advanced variations. It particularly aims to engage beginners, helping them build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Workshops will include introductions, skill assessment, and exposure to multicultural dance styles, with participant input shaping the experience. The program will run for over 25 hours at a senior center, with recruitment through flyers and a WhatsApp group, as well as supplemental learning via YouTube videos. The project will culminate in a public performance where participants showcase their skills for friends, family, and the community.

Ramon Ponce

Ramon’s project is a music-based program where seniors learn to sing traditional Mexican songs and play basic rhythm instruments. Led by an experienced musician and educator, the workshops use music as both a creative outlet and a form of emotional connection, aiming to bring joy, confidence, and a sense of community to participants. Sessions (2–3 times per week) include group singing accompanied by guitar, with individualized support to accommodate different skill levels and keep participants engaged. The program begins with an introductory performance to recruit participants and build interest. The residency culminates in a final live performance featuring the seniors, showcasing what they’ve learned in a celebratory and supportive environment.

Victoria Venezia 

“The Hollywood Experience” is a filmmaking workshop where seniors collaboratively create and star in an original short film while learning skills in screenwriting, acting, improv, and production. Through theatre and improv exercises, participants build trust, confidence, and creative expression, using their own ideas and life experiences to develop characters and stories. The program offers structured sessions focused on both writing and acting, with opportunities to participate in various roles (on-camera or behind the scenes). It is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, accommodating seniors with different abilities and comfort levels. Led by an experienced facilitator, the program emphasizes connection, storytelling, and empowerment. It culminates in a “red carpet” premiere event at the senior center, where participants showcase their film and celebrate their creative achievements with the community.

To be announced!