Arts Residencies
LEAP partners with PreK–12 school communities to deliver creative arts programs that inspire New York City youth to explore their passions, build on their strengths, and amplify their voices. By providing experiences in visual arts, theater, dance, music, and new media, LEAP supports students’ social-emotional growth and lays the groundwork for lifelong learning.
Residencies can support the academic curriculum during the school day or can be offered as afterschool enrichment programming. LEAP Teaching Artists partner with school leaders to develop customized programs in a selected art form or utilize signature program project plans that meet the specific goals and needs of the students.
LEAP Your Way Residencies
LEAP provides tailored in-school and afterschool programs in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and new media. Each residency is thoughtfully designed to align with the unique goals and needs of your students and school community. Our experienced teaching artists and program managers collaborate with schools to create project plans that support student learning, accommodate school schedules, and reflect the school’s culture. Every LEAP residency culminates in a student showcase, bringing together families, educators, and stakeholders to celebrate the creativity and achievements of participating students.
LEAP Signature Programs
LEAP Signature Residencies offer in-school and after-school programs grounded in LEAP’s original curriculum and teaching frameworks. These dynamic residencies span a range of disciplines—including theater, entrepreneurship, literacy, and visual arts—and are led by expert teaching artists specially trained in both the content and art form. Rooted in the LEAP Way, our Signature programs feature engaging, standards-based curriculum and offer students the opportunity to participate in citywide culminating events that celebrate their growth and creativity.
The LEAP Way
Challenge Growth
We challenge young people to take risks.
Manage Goals
We assist young people in setting goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and reflecting on challenges and successes.
Share Power
We ensure that young people feel that their voices and opinions matter
Expand Interests
We support young people as they try new things, broaden their horizons, learn about other people, cultures, and perspectives, and explore their own identities.
Engage Authentically
We get to know each young person by centering their cultural and lived experiences, their interests, and passions.
Promote Peer Bonds
We create a safe space for young people to work in teams and groups, exploring similarities and differences, and developing deep bonds and relationships