Artwork created by Belmont Elementary students
as part of the Jazz Sampler project

EXAMPLES OF ARTREACH PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS

Intergenerational Projects
Groundbreaking intergenerational projects bring elders and youth together through the arts. Each project begins with a performance or activity for both generational groups, followed by a story-sharing component. Students learn the art of interviewing, and interview senior citizens to discover their biographical narratives. Students and senior citizens work together with an artist-in-residence to develop the seniors' personal stories into multi-media presentations that reflect the history and shared experiences of their community.  

Jazz Sampler
Jazz Sampler introduces students to the history and elements of jazz through workshops and performances with professional artists. Students learn the arts of improvisation and scat, compose original Blues lyrics, "jazz up" fairy tales and stories, and learn about jazz artists. Jazz Sampler explores the African roots of jazz, the rhythms of the plantations and the eras of swing, bebop and modern jazz through dance, music and art.

Arts Inclusion
Through collaboration with the Henry Viscardi School and Herricks Middle School, FOTA has developed a model ArtReach program that provides students with and without disabilities the opportunity to interact, communicate and learn together in jazz workshops with professional teaching artists. The arts residency culminates with a performance, which students from both schools create and present together.

Click here to see how the Jazz Sampler project has been adapted for students with physical challenges.

Literacy Through the Arts
Pieces of a Dream: The Collage Project was developed by FOTA in partnership with the Literacy Nassau organization to support and supplement literacy learning. Through the use of collage elements, words and images become the starting point for pictorial storytelling and creative expression. A FOTA teaching artist conducts workshops to introduce collage techniques and materials. Students create and title their own collages, and write narratives and poems based on the stories expressed in the collages. The project culminates in an exhibition featuring the students’ collages and creative writing. Ideal for English Language Learners and may be tailored for the appropriate grade level.