Hamden, CT — July 6, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Reverend Carl G. Vouros Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain to support the New Britain Elementary Arts Access Initiative, bringing live, interactive arts performances to every elementary school in New Britain Public Schools.
The initiative will provide approximately 5,000-6,000 students across all ten elementary schools with access to professional Teaching Artists through engaging, school-day performances. Designed to remove barriers to arts participation, the project ensures every elementary student can experience high-quality arts programming regardless of school resources or family circumstances.
Building on AFLCT’s longstanding partnership with New Britain Public Schools, the initiative expands the organization’s efforts to provide meaningful arts learning opportunities that inspire creativity, strengthen communication skills, and foster student engagement. Each participating school will host two back-to-back performances, allowing entire student populations to participate through grade-level groupings while minimizing disruption to the instructional day.
Professional Teaching Artists from AFLCT’s statewide roster will present interactive performances that encourage active participation rather than passive observation. Performances will include audience engagement opportunities and classroom extension materials that allow students and educators to continue exploring artistic concepts after the performance concludes.
“We are deeply grateful to the Reverend Vouros Fund and the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain for investing in arts education for New Britain’s young people,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts. This grant allows us to ensure that thousands of elementary students will have access to professional artists who inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.”
The New Britain Elementary Arts Access Initiative builds upon AFLCT’s ongoing work throughout the district, including in-school workshops and residencies, after-school programming, and summer learning experiences. The organization plans to continue growing its partnerships with New Britain Public Schools while pursuing additional public and private funding to sustain and expand arts education opportunities throughout the community.