The Harlem School of Arts (HSA) in New York serves as a transformative cultural arts center for young people, driven by a holistic mission outlined by its President & CEO, James C. Horton. At HSA, students are taught artistic skills and empowered to embrace their authenticity, cultivate confidence, and present the best version of themselves. Established in 1964 by renowned African American concert soprano Dorothy Maynor, HSA aimed to provide arts education to a community lacking cultural resources for children.
What began as piano lessons taught in the basement of a church soon expanded as more students joined. Through a successful $2 million fundraising campaign, led by Mrs. Maynor, HSA was able to open a 3,400-square-meter facility in May 1979. In 2013, trumpet player Herb Alpert's generous gift of $6 million acknowledged the transformative power of music education and enabled HSA to undergo a significant facility renovation.

Offering interdisciplinary training in music, dance, theater, and visual arts, HSA teaches approximately 1,600 students aged 2 to 18 annually, with 80% being African American and Latino, and 75% receiving financial assistance. Instruction is led by professional artists, ensuring students learn from those with direct industry experience. The school's annual budget of $5.5 million primarily relies on charitable donations, covering 70% of expenses.
Looking ahead, HSA's 60th anniversary in 2024 is a milestone that marks both celebration and expansion. President Horton envisions extending the school's impact by providing high-quality programs to underserved populations and developing online on-demand programming.
The impact of HSA on its students is profound. Aimony Erisnor, an 11-year-old student in the Theater Department, encapsulates the sentiment shared by many: “My dream is to be on Broadway, but I enjoy the friendship that we make. I love all the teachers here. Their teaching styles are really good. They're really helpful and believe in you.”
Through its unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals, the Harlem School of Arts continues to foster creativity, uplift communities, and provide a platform for self-expression. As the school looks forward to the future, it remains dedicated to its enduring mission of shaping confident, unapologetic, and free young artists.