DreamYard
Program: Access to Arts
Area of Work: Arts
Grant Purpose: General Support
Overview
As the largest arts education provider in the Bronx, DreamYard uses the arts to inspire youth, educators, and communities to reimagine how the arts can create change. At DreamYard, “art is action, and art is a statement!” Their educational and community programs combine New York State standards-based arts instruction with social justice pedagogy to inspire students to use their art to create a more just and equitable society.
Grant
Purpose: To support DreamYard’s Creative Arts Therapy program that promotes mind-body integration and wellness through the arts for the students and their families.
In 2019, DreamYard led their first expressive arts group for Bronx teens led by DreamYard’s first Creative Arts Therapist. The new program utilized the arts to guide young people in expressing their emotions, healing from past trauma, and supporting their peers in healing. The need for these services expanded greatly as a result of the pandemic and social upheaval.
Impact
Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly difficult on their South Bronx community, DreamYard mobilized stakeholders early on and distributed 5,000 pieces of technology to community members, over 75,000 meals, and 250,000 PPE supplies.
In addition, they created more opportunities for community members to address their mental health through an annual Week of Healing series focused on fostering wellness through the arts. Examples of programming and workshops included:
- Writing Practice for Hope and Healing: mindful and meditative writing session with prompts, poem samples, and exercises.
- Art Therapy for All: Intergenerational artmaking workshop to help transform anxiety into self-care art and rituals.
- Painting for Liberation: exploration of the work of Emory Douglas and the power of the image to build and sustain community.
- Dance it OUT!: Full body release through movement.
