Council Member Joseph C. Borelli (R-South Shore) has announced that his office has allocated more than $500,000 in funding for arts and cultural programming in south shore schools this fiscal year. The funds will be used to bring world-class arts and cultural organizations like Sundog Theatre, IlluminArt Productions, the Horticultural Society of New York, and the New York Harbor Foundation to public schools on Staten Island for unique, engaging programming, and will also support class trips to museums like the Intrepid and the Museum of Food and Drink.
These programs enrich a student’s educational experience by providing a more hands-on approach to learning. Programs of this style are effective because they better contextualize and reinforce lessons taught in the classroom.
“From the Sundog Theatre program to the Museum of Food and Drink, south shore students will be engaged and will expand their knowledge of a diverse array of activities through really fun after-school adventures. These programs are very popular with students and teachers alike, and I’m excited that they will have new, interesting programming for this coming year,” said Council Member Borelli. “I know how important these activities are to principals and their students and I’m happy to provide the resources necessary for them to continue.”
“The continued support of Councilman Borelli have made Myra S. Barnes Intermediate School 24 a direct beneficiary of increased opportunities in the Arts and Cultural Institutions such as Sundog Theatre, Illuminart Productions and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Our students had experiences during the school day, weekends and after-school as a direct result of this support. We are grateful to the Councilman and his staff for recognizing our students are deserving of these opportunities,” said Lenny Santamaria, Principal of I.S. 24 in Great Kills.
Arlene Sorkin, CEO of IlluminArt Productions, said, "We are grateful to Councilman Borelli for his generous support of our theater and visual arts programs that allow for students' self-expression, giving them a voice."
"South Shore schools, PS 58R and The David Marquis School of the Arts have a strong commitment to the arts. Both schools believe in giving their students a well-rounded education and that includes strong arts programming," said Dorothy Devlin, Marquis Studios Board Chair. "Thanks to funding from Council Member Borelli, Marquis Studios is able to provide high-quality arts programs that build and strengthen students' skills in the visual and performing arts."