At Variety New York, we strongly believe that the arts support creativity and equip children to succeed academically, vocationally, and in life. Sadly, today it is estimated that 60% of children do not have access to any form of arts education. That number skyrockets to over 70% when looking at African American and Hispanic populations. As a result creativity in the United States is on the decline for the first time in 50 years and our young people are ill-equipped to lead successful professional and personal lives.

We know the arts are a cornerstone for youth to lead successful and personally fulfilling lives. Recent research shows when youth are exposed to the arts they: