In the heart of Chelsea, amidst the vibrant pulse of New York City, the IAC Building stood as a beacon of creativity on June 5th, 2024. ArtsConnection, a stalwart nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of New York City public school students through the arts, hosted its annual Benefit – the Art is the Heart of Life Festival. And what a celebration it was!
Under the skilled guidance of WABC Anchor Sandra Bookman, guests numbering close to 200 gathered to support a cause that resonates deeply with the soul of the city. With the collective effort of attendees, nearly $1 million was raised, a testament to the unwavering commitment to providing arts education in-school, afterschool, and within the wider community.
For over four decades, ArtsConnection has been a cornerstone of arts education, impacting the lives of over 3 million students across the five boroughs. Its reach extends far and wide, collaborating with over 100 cultural institutions, community venues, and schools, ensuring that every child has access to the transformative power of the arts.
The venue itself, transformed into a love letter to New York City, embodied the spirit of the evening. From a live Statue of Liberty model to a dynamic graffiti wall, every corner pulsated with the energy of creativity. The NY Chinese Cultural Chinese Dancers mesmerized the audience with their graceful movements, while live portraits captured the essence of the moment.
But perhaps what truly delighted the senses were the food stations, each showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of the city. From the iconic flavors of Waffle and Dinges to the creamy indulgence of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, every bite served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures that define New York City.
Executive Director Rachel Watts shared with us her advice for aspiring artist in public school, “I think one of the things to find programs like ArtsConnection, because we’re here to help and we’re here to offer opportunities for young people to think about how to navigate to become an artist. A lot of times, New York City Public School students have their parents telling them you got to be a lawyer, a doctor, work finance, or be a nurse and art doesn’t seem like an option, but this is the cultural capital of the world. The number of jobs like lighting design, graphic design, also being a musician on Broadway, are steady good jobs and the New York City public school students should have access to”.
As the evening unfolded, the spotlight turned to honor those whose contributions have made an indelible mark on the arts landscape:
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ArtsConnection 2024 Janklow Award recipients: Tiffany Barrett, Teaching Artist, and Pascale Pradel, Principal P.S. 38K presented Linda LeRoy Janklow, Founding Board Member
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ArtsConnection 2024 Arts Innovator: Peter Cincotti, Jazz Pianist & Singer-Songwriter presented by Debra Harounian Peltz, Board President
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ArtsConnection 2024 Arts Innovator: Basil Twist, Puppeteer, and MacArthur Fellow presented by Rachel Watts, Executive Director
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ArtsConnection Special Honor to Sony Corporation of America presented by Debra Harounian Peltz and accepted by Braxton Midyette on behalf of Sony Corporation of America.
Each honoree, along with the effervescent Sandra Bookman, received a precious gift—a unique artwork created by a student, a poignant reminder of the impact of their work on the lives of young creators.
In a world where uncertainty often reigns, events like the Art is the Heart of Life Festival serve as a powerful reminder: that in the canvas of life, art is not just an embellishment but the very heart that beats within us all.
For more information, visit artsconnection.org.
Photo: Brian Hatton
