'Finding Inspiration: Kids in the Arts' only on ABC7NY
NEW YORK (WABC) -- "Finding Inspiration: Kids in the Arts," a WABC-TV special, looks at how the arts help develop a child's mind, sense of self, and, ultimately, their place in the world.
Eyewitness News Anchor Sandra Bookman showcases programs teaching kids to develop creativity through dance, photography, artistic play and verbal expression, building their professional skills along the way.
Sunny Hostin, Bronx native and one of the co-hosts of ABC's "The View," talks about why she feels it's so important to support the new Bronx Children's Museum at Mill Pond Park.
The show features a unique program that uses dance and guided conversations to teach and celebrate cultural diversity. Kids learn about understanding, acceptance, respect and compassion, all while dancing to the music of different cultures.
For children interested in photography, the special features a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the Bronx. Middle and high school kids from all NYC boroughs can learn to use photography, writing, and research in their creative work. Children are encouraged to tell their own stories using documentary photography and learn skills that will help them apply for college and real-life jobs.
The show also highlights an NYC museum that exhibits children's art, and lets kids explore interactive play with hands-on displays and bright, theme-based activities. Children can learn about arts, culture, science, community, and the environment. And the museum has welcomed the support and attention of well-known fans, from "Scandal" star Kerry Washington to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
Featured on our show:
The 81st Street Studio at The Met
The 81st Street Studio is the museum's all-new Learning Center for Children. It's a free, interactive play space for kids, focused on art and science. The 3,500 square foot center is meant to inspire curiosity among The Met's youngest visitors - by immersing them in hands-on activities, including art projects and multi-sensory play areas.
https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/families/81st-street-studio
DANCE TO UNITE
Dance to Unite, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to utilize dance and guided conversations about values as a vehicle to teach and celebrate cultural diversity. Dance to Unite is committed to creating positive experiences for children to develop understanding, acceptance, respect and compassion for their own culture and for all cultures, culminating in unity for the purpose of peace.
Dance to Unite's vision is to create and foster, from the root level, catalysts for world peace. Dance to Unite operates classes in NYC one hour a week between 3 and 6 p.m., from Monday through Friday. Classes are conducted by paid teaching artists who have completed the group's internship programs and are joined by the teaching staff. For the latest updates on the schedule, please email info@dancetounite.org.
THE BRONX JUNIOR PHOTO LEAGUE
The Bronx Junior Photo League is a documentary photography and college success program serving middle through high school students. It's a free, after-school and summer program to teach children and teens the art of photography and visual storytelling. The program includes visits from internationally renowned photographers, field trips to cultural institutions and college-prep programs with one-on-one counseling.
The group aims to inspire children of all backgrounds to pursue careers in the arts by letting them look at life through a different lens.
https://www.bronxdoc.org/education/bronx-junior-photo-league
THE BRONX CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The Bronx Children's Museum is a multicultural space dedicated to stirring a child's natural curiosity and creativity. The museum is housed in a new space in Mill Pond Park. The museum includes bright, open, theme-based areas with interactive activities exploring the arts, culture, science, natural resources and community.
The museum also includes a 35-foot water exhibit, an artist loft, a performance theater, classroom space and 11 large fine-art installations created by Bronx-connected artists.
Tens of thousands of children visit the museum every year. Thousands of other kids take part in the facility's outreach programs.
