City Hearts: Kids Say Yes to the Arts

City Hearts' provides a diverse array of arts education programming to children ages 5-18 attending under-resourced schools in Los Angeles County, particularly in the community of northern Long Beach. Classes in Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts take place in-school and after-school at school partner sites with limited or no access to the arts.

City Hearts believes that when children are offered the opportunity to be creative, imaginative, and collaborative, children become more confident in their own voice and abilities allowing them to thrive as leaders in the communities. For many children in the service areas we focus, the pandemic has highlighted several disparities in equal access, especially to high quality arts education that is intentional, supportive, and nurturing of their academic and personal goals. As a result, City Hearts is committed to investing in the communities where children are most vulnerable in falling through the education gap, thinking about arts education at the intersection of race and socio-economic status as we deliver our services.

City Hearts aims to deliver programs "for the community, by the community" with the support from the OF/BY/FOR ALL Change Network, a 12-month program for civic and cultural organizations. The Change Network program provides a structured framework, guidance, and tools to help City Hearts staff make actionable changes in their work towards greater equity and inclusion. It is our intention to deliver high-quality arts education programs that are culturally relevant with and by community, and with this, be aware of the relevant cultural nuances of each community we serve and how it applies to our teaching approach and content.

While City Hearts has already established partnerships with a few schools in northern Long Beach, it is our aim to continue developing those relationships with families in Long Beach neighborhoods. City Hearts believes that our programs help and benefit the most when they are made by and for the community we are serving. For instance, this year marks our launch of a new visual arts program focused on drawing and composition, which is a direct outcome from discussions about early childhood learning with school administration and students.

Testimonials

"Students and staff at King Elementary are privileged to have an organization with such passion and dedication partner with them. In the time at King, City Hearts has provided the highest quality art education and experience for our students. All of their staff is responsive to the individual needs of our students and staff. Their programs have proven to enhance our students' confidence and self-esteem. In conclusion, I would recommend City Hearts to any school or district that is looking to bring the arts in their classrooms."

Osvaldo Ocampo, Principal
Starr King Elementary School, Long Beach