Funding will support performances and hands-on arts workshops for approximately 550 students at Gideon Welles School
Hamden, CT – August 21, 2026 – Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) has received a $3,000 grant from the Glastonbury Community Fund at Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to support “Express Yourself @ Gideon Welles” during the 2026-27 school year.
The school-wide arts learning initiative will serve approximately 550 students in grades 5 and 6 at Gideon Welles School. Led by professional AFLCT Teaching Artists, the program will include two cultural performances for the entire school and four days of hands-on workshops in disciplines such as dance, music, storytelling, spoken word, theater, and visual arts.
The grant supports a project developed collaboratively by AFLCT, the Gideon Welles School, and the Gideon Welles PTO. Programming will take place throughout the school year and will be scheduled in coordination with school staff to complement instructional goals, school events, and student needs.
“Students at this age are navigating growing academic expectations, changing peer relationships, and the transition toward middle school,” said Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development at Arts for Learning Connecticut. “The arts give them meaningful opportunities to build confidence, express themselves, explore different cultural perspectives, and connect with their peers. The Glastonbury Community Fund’s support will help make these experiences accessible to every student during the school day.”
“Express Yourself @ Gideon Welles” builds on a successful partnership implemented during the 2025-26 school year. Feedback from participating students and educators demonstrated high levels of engagement, enthusiasm, and personal connection. One educator described students as “sitting on the edge of their seats” during a performance, while another student shared that the program “made me feel more open and confident about who I am.”
The 2026-27 program is designed to strengthen student engagement, creativity, communication, confidence, and sense of belonging. Shared performances will introduce students to diverse artistic and cultural traditions, while smaller hands-on workshops will give students opportunities to actively create, collaborate, and express their own ideas.
Because the programming is offered during the school day, every student can participate regardless of income, background, or ability. The initiative also supports a positive school climate by creating joyful, memorable experiences shared by students and educators.
AFLCT has partnered with Glastonbury schools for more than a decade. The renewed Gideon Welles initiative reflects a shared commitment among the school, PTO, AFLCT, and the Glastonbury Community Fund to sustain meaningful arts learning opportunities for local students.
About the Glastonbury Community Fund
The Glastonbury Community Fund is one of 29 town-specific funds established by Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to empower residents to address local needs and strengthen their communities. Grant recommendations are made by volunteer committees of residents who reflect and understand their communities.
About Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is a community foundation, a hub for community-driven change. We fuel impact throughout Greater Hartford and beyond by making connections, providing funding, and sharing knowledge. Our goal is to create an inclusive region where everyone prospers. Together, with a powerful network of changemakers, we identify our neighbors’ most pressing needs and invest resources in initiatives that dismantle racial and economic barriers and improve quality of life. In our 100-year history, we have invested more than $1 billion throughout the region. Join us in building a Greater Hartford full of opportunity. Learn more at greaterhartfordgives.org.