Why an Art House in the Inner City?
In 1994 the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania, opened the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House because they believe that the need for the arts in the lives of the poor is as real as the need for bread.
The Sisters believe the civilizing values of the arts are essential to the development of full human beings and the next generation of good citizens.
At the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House, Children...
- Learn hard work, skills, discipline and teamwork that can be transferred to home, school and, eventually, the work place
- Gain a greater sense of character and confidence
- Are recognized and applauded for accomplishments
- Are mentored by caring adults in a safe environment
- Immerse themselves in beauty, creativity and the humanizing values of the arts
- Express themselves and have fun
- Discover who they are…who they can become…and that they can do anything to which they set their minds
The need for a Neighborhood Art House needed in Inner-City Erie
To invest in Erie’s children is the wisest choice you can make for the future of the city.
The area of the city surrounding the Neighborhood Art House has census tracts that approach ninety-five (95%) poverty.
Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, the public school in closest proximity to the Art House, has an enrollment of over 700 students and a poverty rate approaching eighty-five (85%).
Research suggests that children who attend high-quality arts and humanities programs during the hours they are not at home, benefit academically and socially.
"What a society does to its children, its children will do to society."
- a Roman sage
Did you know that children who attend after school programs...
- are two times less likely to use drugs
- are one-third less likely to become teen parents
- have improved school attendance and do their homework more often and better
- learn to respect people who are different from themselves