| Empowering Youth through Cultural Arts! |
| LEAF Schools & Streets is a local educational outreach program matching artists with youth in schools and communities for hands-on workshops, residencies, interactive performances and mentoring that includes opportunities for youth to perform with the artists at LEAF – and beyond! |
You help make an impact in young people's lives!
Over 35,000 youth served since 2004!
Teaching Artists are from the local, regional and international community. The program is designed to reach children and adults of different socio-economic backgrounds in the Asheville area and Western NC. LSS was inspired by LEAF executive director’s godchildren who were living in public housing. She saw a huge lack in access to the arts for children living in the Klondyke Apartments in the Montford neighborhood of Asheville.
Like the LEAF Festival, LSS proves that music and the arts can bridge cultures and create life-altering, community-building experiences. Our LSS programs provide an opportunity for youth participants to attend and perform at LEAF alongside their Teaching Artists. Participating youth gain self-esteem and cultural awareness while experiencing multiple interactions with performing artists, being a performer on stage, and a festival adventure.
“Thank you for allowing our students the opportunity to take part in the LEAF Schools & Streets (LSS) program. Montessori Cooperative School’s (MCS) staff and students are very appreciative for the experience. MCS is striving to facilitate a global view of our world for our students and families. The chance to connect with Mariam Matossian and her family was inspirational and our students performing on stage was exhilarating… We hope to be able to participate again."
– Laura Mecale, Montessori Cooperative School, October 2010
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Goals EMPOWER...
children, families, and communities through cooperation and performances. EDUCATE... children, communities, and community partners on the power of the arts. ENRICH... the lives of all children and provide cultural arts to underserved communities. EXPERIENCE... by actively engaging in the arts, children are transformed, and develop confidence and self-efficacy. |
Impact THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE: • 117 artists • Over 35,000 youth have participated in residencies, workshops or performances to date. • 187 programs in schools (15 Title 1 schools) • 292 different outreach programs • 36 after-school programs / community centers • Over 4,442 youth performers at LEAF Year-round LSS programming: • 11 Resident Teaching Artists • 18 LSS weekly programs • 4 low-income housing communities • 3 middle schools Inspiring CREATIVITY since 2004 |
