Hamden, Connecticut—Arts for Learning CT is excited to announce a $7,500 grant award from the Farmington Community Chest. This funding supports dynamic arts learning initiatives at West Woods Upper Elementary and East Farms School, providing students with immersive creative workshops and live performances during the 2024-25 school year.
This initiative will bring professional Teaching Artists into classrooms for interactive workshops that explore expressive art forms such as music, dance, and poetry. Each school will also host live performances that showcase the power of artistic expression, inspiring over 1,000 students to discover their creative voices. The program is designed to maximize impact through a sustainable funding model, with additional funding already secured from the partner schools.
AFLCT has been a trusted partner of West Woods Upper Elementary and East Farms School for many years, providing high-quality arts learning experiences that engage students and enrich their education. This latest initiative builds on a strong foundation of collaboration, deepening the schools’ commitment to integrating the arts into their curriculum and ensuring that students continue to benefit from creative expression as a learning and personal development tool.
“We’re grateful for the Farmington Community Chest’s support in expanding arts learning opportunities for local students,” said AFLCT Executive Director John-Michael Parker. “By integrating hands-on arts experiences with live performances, we’re fostering creativity, cultural connection, and personal growth in young learners.”
This initiative will serve a diverse student body, with 51% identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color and 14% qualifying for Free or Reduced Price Meals. AFLCT remains committed to delivering impactful, equitable, and inspiring arts education experiences to communities across Connecticut.
About the Farmington Community Chest
The Farmington Community Chest is a Nonprofit organization founded in 1931 to benefit the Farmington community. All officers volunteer their time to ensure the organization is continued in a manner consistent with its central goal of improving the health, educational opportunities, and community life of all residents of the Farmington community. The Community Chest achieves this goal by facilitating opportunities for individuals to volunteer in the Farmington Community, such as on Farmington Cares Day, and by investing donated funds into projects that help improve the well-being of all residents. For more information on the Farmington Community Chest, please visit https://www.farmingtoncommunitychest.com/.