United Under Arts is an incredible organization bringing art and art experiences to young people!
Tell us all about you and your organization!
I am a (rising) senior at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Arts and Performing Arts, a dual mission school in NYC, also known as the “Fame” school. My major instrument is the alto saxophone. I believe the arts are crucial to society and a well-rounded education. I was inspired to start United Under Arts by two events: volunteering by playing music at a local nursing home and being asked by my school administration to go to underserved schools and give workshops to the students there on the arts.
United Under Arts is a global student-led nonprofit dedicated to providing people, particularly underprivileged communities and vulnerable populations, around the world with opportunities and experiences in the arts. We run free arts-based events and fundraisers to bring joy and meaning to these underserved groups and facilitate connections across all ages and backgrounds. As of August 18th 2020 we have over 600 members from 25 countries and 36 chapters that spread United Under Arts in their city. We have donated thousands of resources to underserved areas; currently equating to a rough cash-equivalent giveback of $16,000.
Why do you think it’s important for your generation to let their voices be heard?
So many people seem to view our generation as lazy, addicted to technology, but we are the future of this world and if we want the rest of the world to notice us and listen to what we’re saying, we have to take a stand. Even if some don’t agree with you or try to tear you down, even if you fail, it is better to speak up and have a chance of succeeding than staying silent and being assured of failure.
Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
In the past I was often cynical because I had a fairly negative and critical view of the world, but recently having seen so much good people have done during this pandemic- from the frontline workers to other adults, students, even young children supporting them- I am confident that,
What does your organization offer that helps the world be a better place?
We strongly believe in the power of the arts to unite people and bring joy. At our nursing home concerts for instance, it is always heartwarming to see the elderly in our communities brighten when hearing a song from their childhood or even when we’ve just arrived because they rarely get visitors. To advance our mission, we run free events such as the aforementioned concerts and donate supplies and money to various causes.
What are the most important issues facing our world right now? And in the future?
I believe that education and healthcare inequality in particular are very pressing issues. I strongly believe in education as the key to many students’ future, but so many students do not have access to quality education. Even those that do don’t always have access to high quality education. Healthcare disparities are also very problematic around the world. They have been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been around for far longer than that. How can we as a society tackle other issues when a large portion of our world doesn’t even have access to the tools necessary for a healthy, well-rounded life?
Please tell us all about your current campaigns, projects and endeavors. Tell everyone where to find you online and on social platforms.
You can find our current projects here: https://www.unitedunderarts.org/events and by subscribing to our newsletter. We host a variety of free events internationally and in local chapters, including but not limited to art commissions, concerts / recitals, workshops / webinars, poetry readings, and tutoring.
Our socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitedunderarts/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnitedUnderArts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnitedUnderArts Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedUnderArts/?view_public_for=110382967360232 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-under-art/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unitedunderarts?lang=en