Empowering Artists Daily
On behalf of the New York Foundation for the Arts’ (NYFA) staff and Board, I thank you for your continued support. With friends like you, we can fulfill our mission to empower artists in all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives.
Our mission is more important than ever as we move into a new political environment. We will continue to support artists, who through their stories, visual work, and performances make the world more empathetic and humanistic.
I’d like to describe one program that has special significance right now when issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and immigration are more important than they have ever been.
Ten years ago, we established an Immigrant Artist Program (IAP). Annually the program reaches 7,000 artists from more than 50 countries and every continent with one-on-one mentoring, workshops, group meetings, and a newsletter that provides interviews and opportunities to help them in their careers. We also provide activities in other languages to ensure we are reaching as many artists as possible. We know that this program is having a profound impact on artists. As 2015 participant Saman Samadi told us, “the Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program was one of the best experiences I have had in New York City as a performer and composer thus far. This is the first time that I truly felt a sense of community and belonging in the United States.”
Other programs include grants to artists; fiscal sponsorship which supports artists and emerging organizations with fundraising and administration; international “boot camps” to teach artists how to manage their careers; and online resources for opportunities and educational practices.
Whatever artists need in order to create the work that uplifts the people of our nation and the world, NYFA tries to provide. I hope you consider making a donation to help us continue this vital service. The value of the arts has never been clearer, nor their impact more necessary.
With Gratitude,
Michael L. Royce
Executive Director
Image: Liene Bosquê (IAP ‘12, ‘13, ’14, 15)
