BankRI Grant to New Urban Arts Supports Nationally-Recognized Programs

Hands-On Learning: Students use the screen printing facilities at New Urban Arts during an out-of-school time learning program. BankRI recently awarded the organization with a charitable grant in support of its nationally-recognized Youth Mentorship in the Arts and Summer Art Inquiry programs.

PROVIDENCE, RI – As budget cuts continue to impact the availability of school-based arts classes for Providence students—recent statistics indicating the number of art teachers in the City has been reduced by half in the past 10 years—many youth lack access to pursue their passion for art in an educational environment.

To help reverse this trend, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) has awarded a $1,500 grant to New Urban Arts in support of its nationally-recognized Youth Mentorship in the Arts and Summer Art Inquiry programs.

As a community-based art studio and gallery for young people and emerging artists in Providence, New Urban Arts has inspired more than 1,500 students to envision themselves as creators and leaders. In 2009, the organization was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 20 nationwide after school programs for best practices that lead to academic improvement.

“BankRI’s support of New Urban Arts represents our commitment not only to expanding learning programs for inner-city youth, but also for creating unique employment opportunities that can help shape their future careers,” said Mark J. Meiklejohn, President and CEO of BankRI.

Through its Youth Mentorship program, which creates positive relationships between students and non-parental adults, New Urban Arts helps students harness their artistic ability while creating bonds with accomplished local artists. To foster future career opportunities, participants receive more than 3,000 hours of one-on-one mentoring while learning skills in photography, sculpture, screen printing, digital media, and more to display their work at a number of gallery exhibitions. The program also provides college advising support through a partnership with College Visions, pairing students with trained academic tutors.

With a focus on helping students remain active in learning during the summer, the Summer Art Inquiry program partners 30 students with four artists in small groups to meet for 16 hours weekly throughout July and August for in-depth art exploration based on a student’s area of interest. Understanding the need for employment can often deter some youth from participating in summer enrichment activities, the program is treated as a rigorous internship, each student receiving a financial stipend upon successful completion.

About Bank Rhode Island

Bank Rhode Island, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:BRKL), is a full-service, FDIC-insured financial institution headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.  The bank operates 18 branches and more than 60 ATMs throughout Providence, Kent and Washington Counties. For more information, visit www.BANKRHODEISLAND.com.

Leave a comment