Upturn Arts

“Mission statement: at hope stone new orleans, we believe in providing "art for all," regardless of financial circumstance, and we are committed to ensuring that all new orleans children and youth who walk through our doors have access to high-quality, arts instruction. Through our youth outreach program, hope stone kids, skilled master teachers and artists train new orleans youth in dance, music, visual arts, theater, improvisation, creative writing, drumming and yoga. Hope stone kids provides a critical arts education that helps build self-esteem, confidence and the skills that children need to be the next generation of creative thinkers. Executive director dana reed and hope stone, inc. President jane weiner (based in houston) launched the new orleans organization in 2010, where it is now a local, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit.hope stone kids provides weekly afterschool classes and day-long summer programing in dance, theater, visual arts, and music for children up to 18 years, with showcases through out the year at a variety of venues. Classes are tuition-based, but financial aid (half- and full-scholarships) is made available through the help of generous funders, individual donations, and full tuition students. Over 50% of our families require financial assistance to enroll. Programming is housed at nola spaces performance and rehearsal studios, located on the border of central city and uptown. The brand new, state-of-the-art studio was constructed to accommodate the needs of artists of all levels and styles. Four studios are equipped with professional-grade dance floors, barres, and mirrors. Nola spaces is one block from the streetcar line, making it accessible to many of the city's families. The expected outcome of hope stone kids is an engaging and expressive arts experience in which students develop ownership of, as well as confidence and pride in, their talents and artistic voices.. In the process, students cultivate essential social skills and form lasting relationships by learning the value of teamwork and trust. They develop spatial and body awareness, and expand their individual imaginations in these mediums. The feeling of accomplishment that comes with completion of a work of art is transformative. Once it is experienced, the student learns that the effort and sacrifice involved in working on a project is worth it. Job satisfaction, self-discipline, and taking pride in your work are no longer just abstract ideas; they become meaningful in personal terms. When a student finishes a project, overcoming all the challenges, obstacles, and frustrations along the way, that student builds his or her self-esteem. We also expect to gain, along with our students, a greater knowledge of new orleans' culture, heritage and diversity so that we can continue to encourage students to have a sense of pride in their accomplishments and their community.”

“Line 30 (cont): from January 2015-June 2015. Chris Paul Fondation made a generous donation of $50,000 to support this program; these funds are restricted. Students will take part in many sports classes as well as dance.”

“Advertising/website 111. Auto/gas reimb 129. Bank/cc fees 426. Classroom supplies 772. Costumes/props 293. Donor relations 51. Insurance - gl 258. Misc expenses 4. Office supplies 621. Telephone/internet 167. Taxes 13. Travel meals 38.”

“Chase business cc 0. 3059. Hope stone inc - loan 1625.”