As uptown NYC natives, we are often in contact with creative, passionate, and revolutionary individuals whose plans are constantly hindered by a lack of resources and support. Additionally, as Barnard students, we also see how readily available those resources are to individuals that have already had access to them for most of their lives. Our project was born out of a desire to bridge that gap and provide our community with the same creative resources and supplies our more privileged peers have. 

That gap in question is substantial--despite the clear value and benefits of arts education, funding and support for programming in the city is at an all time low. According to the NYC Department of Education’s Annual Arts Report, spending on arts and cultural services for public schools has declined 47% (Stringer). Spending on arts materials and supplies has continuously decreased at even higher rates for the past seven years. 20% of New York City high schools have no part or full time arts staff, and 10% of schools have no rooms dedicated to the arts (Stringer). 

In addition to disproportionate health outcomes, the exacerbation of systemic racism by the COVID-19 pandemic has left Black communities financially, mentally and socially vulnerable. Community care, support, recovery and joy in all forms are needed now more than ever. We hope that in nurturing our community’s creative passions during a time where unjust factors leave such passions unprioritized and stifled, we can provide some of that relief and joy.  Funds raised will go directly toward both budding and experienced community artists as well as materials that will increase creative accessibility Uptown.