Young Audiences Awarded NEA Grant To Support Teaching Artist Training in Trauma-Informed Practice

NEW YORK, NY — Young Audiences Arts for Learning (Young Audiences) has been approved for a $65,000 grant award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in support of the Strengthening Teaching Artist Capacity through Trauma-Informed Practice (STAC-TIP) initiative. Young Audiences of Massachusetts (Boston, MA) is a partner in the initiative, along with Arts for Learning Miami (Miami, FL) and Young Audiences of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA). 

The STAC-TIP project will include an intensive 15-hour training in trauma-informed practice for up to 75 teaching artists from around the country. The three partnering affiliates will then provide nine trauma-informed, arts-integrated residencies with students. Teaching artists conducting those residencies will receive over 30 hours of additional training, as well as one-on-one observation and coaching. The artists will develop deeper understanding and responsiveness to students' social emotional needs in order to foster a safer, inclusive classroom.

“As we navigate a moment in history that will have profound impact on the future of our students, Young Audiences is extremely grateful for the NEA’s continued support of learning in the arts.” said David A. Dik, National Executive Director of Young Audiences. “This professional learning initiative will help equip teaching artists across the country to support the social-emotional health and healing of young people as we move forward.