Dream Up is the new international programme for education through art launched by Foundation BNP Paribas. 30,000 underprivileged youngsters will benefit from it in 26 countries. Today, let us discover Dream Up in New York.
The Free Arts NYC Association, selected by BNP Paribas Foundation and BNP Paribas in New York as the Dream Up partner, proposes a unique education and Art Awareness Program for children and family of underserved communities. Free Arts NYC, operating in New York since 1997, has partnered with schools, social service agencies, supportive housing facilities and community centers.
For Dream Up, the association works in collaboration with BNP Paribas collaborators in New York and allows them to get directly involved with the children. Thus, one workshop per month is scheduled, during which a BNP Paribas mentor and a child collaborate to exchange ideas and work on an artistic creation of their choice. The role of the mentor is to encourage the child to reflect and create while providing support in a cheerful and pleasant manner.
During the last workshops, the children studied the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and created a sculpture of their own house, inspired by the well-known architect. They also studied Keith Haring and created painted cloth bags inspired by the artist.
During this academic year, approximately 200 young people aged 6 to 12 years benefitted from this endeavor.