At the base of the Catskill Mountains, three renovated historic factory buildings comprise Foreland, an artist-run complex with a robust program of contemporary art exhibitions and special events. A place where hustle meets authenticity, Foreland was built by artists to unite craftsmen, creatives, and commercial tenants under one roof. Now, the organization is launching its first-of-its-kind initiative, Foreland Youth Sponsorships, to engage young artists in the art-making world.
The initiative is funded by Foreland and managed by Cone Zero Ceramics, Catskill’s ceramic school and studio. Cone Zero seeks to provide inclusive access to ceramics facilities, offering public classes, workshops, and independent studio time. The ceramics school aims to foster a love of clay and creativity in individuals of all ages and abilities, making this studio the perfect partner for Foreland on this initiative.
Beginning this April with the first two awardees, Foreland Youth Sponsorships will directly cover the costs of classes and materials for six Cone Zero students per year. While many schools and educational institutions across the country continue to cut budgets for the arts, Foreland’s initiative reinforces the importance of access to arts education.
Cone Zero Ceramics will field and select student applicant requests for six students annually – two per semester – to be awarded financial sponsorships from Foreland. Each sponsorship includes a semester-long package of classes and dedicated studio time with the skilled educators at Cone Zero. This month, the first two student recipients were awarded sponsorships under the guidance of Catskill Middle School arts teacher, Carli Gazoorian, who has taught in the district since 2005.
As the first direct sponsorship that the arts organization has announced, this initiative comes at a time when access and funding for youth arts education continues to diminish in our country. The sponsorships strengthen Foreland’s mission to support the local community and increase accessibility to art for the creatives in the Catskill area.
All regional youths are eligible for the ongoing Foreland Youth Sponsorships during both school semesters and summer sessions at Cone Zero Ceramics. More details about the program in support of youth arts will be announced in the coming months.
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