Artportunity Knocks 2022 Annual Report

ARTPORTUNITY KNOCKS

ANNUAL REPORT

YEAR 2022

ABOUT ARTPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Artportunity Knocks started in a small two-bedroom apartment with two students from the neighborhood who had an interest in keeping the arts positive. The founders hosted bible study and then music and art sessions using their resources, time, money, food, and energy.

Six short months later, after trying to fit almost 40 kids in their small apartment, they realized that what they had was fulfilling a need in the community and in 2007, Artportunity Knocks was born.

MISSION

Artportunity Knocks is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower youth to make Positive and Smart choices while increasing opportunities in the Arts, Education, Community Service, and Bridging Cultures.

THE ARTS

We believe that all kids should have access to high quality Arts Education. We believe the Arts should be used as a tool for inspiring, uplifting, and provoking positive behaviors.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

We believe that positive arts should be used in the community to spark hope and positive change through live performances and artist engagement.

EDUCATION

We believe that education should be innovative and creative. It is the key to graduating high school on time We believe that educators should receive the necessary training and development to be able to include the arts in their core subjects through a model called Arts Integration

BRIDGING CULTURES

We believe that unity between cultures can be bridged through the vehicle of Music and the Arts We believe classes, programs, camps, and events should be designed to include diverse genres, culturally diverse performing arts, and awareness of the cultures surrounding the community we serve.

Message from the CEO

As we reflect upon the great accomplishments over 2022 we must also rejoice in having the strength to overcome the obstacles that came our way. Every challenge presents an opportunity to succeed or drawback. Our successes are not ours alone; they belong to the students, families and communities we serve. I am thankful for our existing partners and our new-found partners who helped us exceed our goal in re-engaging the community. Reaching well over 900 students from after school programming and summer camps to community events

Chris A. Woods CEO/President

In 2023, Artportunity Knocks will continue to be the bridge between the students and creative education for all. Giving access to the arts is only one thing that defines us; it’s the importation of Love, Compassion and Hope that helps mold the character of this generation.

My goal is to double our impact by creating new locations and artportunities for students & families to explore, learn and grow. This is where the strength of our partnerships aid us in exceeding expectations, so I welcome and invite back every corporation, school system, foundation, city, town, local/national nonprofit, and individual donor to take a stand with us as we create history.

“Everyone plays a part of importance; we are stronger together than we are alone.”

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

–

Desmond Tutu

MEET THE BOARD

MICHAEL STOOTS Board Chair

AYANNA OVERALL Vice Chair

CHRIS WOODS President

TY WOODS Past President

NAUSHAD SHAHZAD Treasurer MELVIN BREEDEN Board Member

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

PABLO PICASSO

"The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before."

NEIL GAIMAN

Arts Education is Essential

Arts education is essential to the psychological development and growth of the individual. Art allows the individual to explore the limitless nature of the human mind and allows the individual to share their perceptions and understanding of the world around them.

This is the singular opportunity to help others understand the artist's shared perception of reality and the reflections of society. Imagine a world where the beauty of the individual's mind is stifled with creativity destroyed.

Artportunity Knocks provides that creative outlet, it allows the student to become the artist in their mind, and allows them to explore the wonderful world around them--not with simple words, but with art that bridges all understanding.

Michael Stoots Board Chair

NEW PARTNERSHIPS

Hosted a six-week summer camp free of charge.

Added a new, free after school program site with 75 students.

Donated office and programming space.

Hosted a monthly Peace of Art showcase event with live performances, art displays, and giveaways.

Summer Learning in Georgia Why Summer Learning?

Summer can be a time of great opportunity but many youth – especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds –lose access to resources available during the school year, do not have access to programs in their community, and suffer summer learning loss.

Most students lose 2 months of math skills & low-income students lose an additional 2-3 months of reading skills

2/3 of the achievement gap in reading between low and middle income children by 9th grade is due to summer learning loss

Only 1 in 7 students qualifying for free or reduced lunch receive summer meals

High quality summer programs can stem learning loss, close educational and opportunity gaps and:

Broaden students’ horizons

Include a wide variety of activities

Help youth build skills

Foster cooperative learning

Summer Learning by the Numbers

46% of Georgia families report that their child participated in a summer program in 2019

93% of Georgia parents are satisfied with their child’s structured summer experience

Promote healthy habits

53% of Georgia families would have enrolled their child in a summer program if one were available

88% of Georgia parents support public funding for summer learning opportunities

99% knowledgeable andcaringstaff

83% opportunitiesto experiencetheoutdoors

96% opportunitiesto buildlifeskills

81% preventlearning loss

learning is strong and bipartisan in Georgia

Support for

Democrats

IIndependents

Republicans

1 Cooper, H , Nye, B , Charlton, K , Lindsay, J , & Greathouse, S (1996) The Effects of Summer Vacation on Achievement Test scores: A Narrative and Meta-Analytic Review Review of Education Research, 66 (3), 227-268

2 Alexander, K L , Entwisle D R , & Olson L S (2007a) Lasting Consequences of the Summer Learning Gap American Sociological Review, 72, 167

3 Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation: Summer Nutrition Status Report (August 2020) Food Research and Action Center Retrieved from https://frac org/ wp-content/uploads/FRAC-Summer-Nutrition-Report-2020 pdf

4 Catherine H Augustine, Jennifer Sloan McCombs, John F Pane, Heather L Schwartz, Jonathan Schweig, Andrew McEachin, and Kyle Siler-Evans Learning from Summer: Effects of Voluntary Summer Learning Programs on Low-Income Urban Youth RAND Corporation (September 2016) Retrieved from https://www rand org/pubs/research reports/RR1557 html

5 America After 3 PM Afterschool Alliance (2020) http://afterschoolalliance org/ documents/AA3PM-2020/GA-AA3PM-Summer-2021-Fact-Sheet pdf 6

Grantee Composition

COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

97 community-based organizations that collectively serve over 74,000 youth annually.

Community-Based

Community-Based Grantees Serving Target Populations

SUMMER

STATEWIDE ORGANIZATIONS

NEW PROGRAMS

Peace of Art

During the 2022 inaugural year of Peace of Art, hundreds of children celebrated the power of art to improve their mental health, unify communities, and generate smiles. The young performers lifted spirits stepping out onto the Center Stage at Town Center Mall. Elementary and teenage children expressed their love for music, dance, drama, and art

The performances included an opportunity for the audience to listen to the young performers discuss the challenges and struggles that often lead to mental illness. The stage served as a window into the heart of young people as well as a mirror for the condition of our society.

PEACE OF ART

Peace of Art synergized children from all ethnicities, income levels and neighborhoods into a movement that transformed the lives of everyone involved. The beauty of every child was highlighted to make a positive statement Students are dealing with the challenges of bullying and hate speech on social media and in the classroom Each performance was a pathway for children to navigate toward healing and self-management of depression and anxiety.

Children enjoyed free school supplies and gifts from Artportunity Knocks during the Back to School Bash and Halloween Mental therapists supported the event with free advice for parents to self-manage their anxiety and depression Parents attended the event to encourage their children to create positive outlets for their energy and creativity. Teenagers were able to find relief for their emotional frustrations and their internalized anger.

BACK 2 SCHOOL

Both of our Back 2 School Backpack Giveaways were a smashing success 300 backpacks were served to the Therrell Cluster students while 250 students received backpacks and supplies in Cobb County.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WITH ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

For 10 years Artportunity Knocks has helped Atlanta Public Schools in providing summer camps, in school, after school, and events. This partnership with the district has given access to STEAM programming to the community from all backgrounds from age 5 - 18 What started as a way to fill the gaps of education through enrichment has developed into a home for extended arts for students.

Dr.LisaHerring APSSuperintendent Eshe’CollinsESQ. APSBoardChair

ChrisA.Woods ArtportunityKnocksCEO

Over the summer our support with their POWER UP enrichment allows us to bring in STEAM activities for over 900 students in the areas of dance, robotics, film production, music production, acting, visual arts, physical education, field days and more. With so many classes exploring new artportunites helps build out the whole student for 21st century careers.

As a way to bring the community together and prepare everyone for returning to school the APS Back to School Bash is the largest in the state of Georgia. Artportunity Knocks has the pleasure of bringing the entertainment for attendees including a Kidz Zone with bounce houses, game trucks, snacks, celebrity guests, performers, and visual artists. Assisting in recruitment of school supplies and distribution to over 9,000 students and families makes this event an annual kick off to be remembered

It’s partnerships such as APS that puts us in position to reaching and exceeding our impact goals every year. Thank you APS! Cheers to another 10 years of partnership.

NEW FUNDING PARTNERS

Received the Building Community Fund grant to further support our mission and the impact we make on the community

Received a pledge from the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator Program

Awarded with a grant from the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund This funding provides Metro Atlanta youth free access to A t Ed ti

Presented with the Invest Atlanta Resurgence Grant providing support resources for the organization

BOOST GRANT

The organization was able to expand its programming into Cherokee/Cobb counties which allowed families located in the rural parts of Woodstock, Canton, Acworth and Kennesaw to be able to attend for free In addition, our partnership in the City of Atlanta expanded services to nearly 400 new participants and over 100 returning participants (from the after school program).

The Building Opportunities in Out-ofSchool Time (BOOST) Grants Program

The Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grants program is a collaborative partnership between the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, BOOST allocates $85 million in grants to afterschool and summer learning in Georgia. The three-year grants, renewed annually, are awarded to organizations that operate comprehensive out-of-school time (OST) programming yearround, over the summer months, or after school during the academic year, with the goal of providing evidence-based afterschool and summer enrichment programming for youth most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Intended Impacts

BOOST grants support youth’s academic acceleration, connectedness and well-being, utilizing a whole child approach to:

Expand access to serve more youth, with an emphasis on children and communities most impacted by the pandemic

Reduce barriers, such as lack of transportation and enrollment costs, to ensure access for all.

Increaseprogrammaticquality and expand or enhance supports and services offered.

In 2021, Georgia awarded over $27 million to support 101 grantees who collectively served over 67,000 youth via afterschool and over 78,000 youth via summer programming.

SERVED

ELEMENTARY

MIDDLE HIGH

Target Populations

•Youth receiving free or reduced-price lunch

•Youth with disabilities

•Youth experiencing homelessness

•Youth experiencing foster care

•English language learners

•Migratory youth

The BOOST grants program currently supports youth-serving organizations in 72 of Georgia’s 159 counties with more funds reserved to expand to additional rural communities in 2023.

BOOST Site Counties

No BOOST Site

BOOST GRANT

760

# of youth served during the summer program.

93% of students surveyed said that they learned something new.

The BOOST grants program prioritizes:

100% of students who attended the summer program receives free or reduced lunch.

110 # of returning summer school students

Programs that serve youth with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, in foster care, English language learners, receiving free or reduced-price lunch, and migratory youth. Programs that have operated summer and/or after school programming in the past three years.

Sites located in communities with no current programs receiving government funds through 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program or the After school Care Program.

Programs offering programming 5 days a week.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER ATLANTA

Thank you to the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta for awarding us with a grant from the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund! This funding provides Metro Atlanta youth free access to Arts Education.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund (Arts Fund) was created in 1993 to provide resources to strengthen independent small- and medium-sized arts organizations with annual operating budgets under $2 million located throughout the Foundation’s metro Atlanta service area. The Arts Fund provides general operating support for programming and operations to increase public engagement with, and access to, various forms of art across the region

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER ATLANTA

Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has awarded a total of $1,084,998 to 35 arts organizations following an open grant application cycle at the end of 2022 These grants support small and midsize arts organizations with annual budgets under $2 million. Grants are awarded for general operating support, allowing organizations to use funds at their discretion to advance their creative programming and operations.

A portion of grants in this cycle were awarded from the Foundation’s longstanding Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund program Arts funding is an essential component of the Community Foundation’s TogetherATL strategic framework, its mission to create a more equitable Atlanta. In keeping with the Foundation’s commitment to racial equity, 80 percent of eligible applicants in this round that are founded or led by Black, indigenous or people of color (BIPOC) have received funding, and more than 60 percent of funding is recommended to Black-led nonprofits Awards were made to a wide spectrum of organizations that incorporate a variety of mediums and approaches including expanding access to visual and performing arts, providing arts education to youth and advancing the work of BIPOC artists.

Almost 70 percent of this funding is recommended for Black-led nonprofits

Additionally, 90 percent of the organizations recommended through this cycle have operating budgets of under $300,000

“Our focus on arts, culture and creative industries seeks to address historic inequities and allow our region’s smaller arts organizations, artists and creative businesses to thrive,” said Ayana Gabriel, vice president of community impact, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta “We are formalizing this vision within our TogetherATL framework by taking a long-term perspective to ensure that our arts ecosystem amplifies and activates community voices, strengthens our economy and fosters learning through the arts at all stages of life. Our progress has been slower than we would like, but in 2023 we will fill a staff vacancy for an arts program officer who will be charged with leading our 2023 arts grant making and driving our vision of equity in the arts forward ”

CHICK-FIL-A COHORT

By providing training, support and resources – and fostering connections with fellow nonprofit leaders and change makers - Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator helps nonprofit organizations have a greater long-term impact on children and contribute to the overall empowerment of our communities.

Our President/CEO Chris woods attended the cohort program to gain additional indepth training, development and networking through a 10-month cohort program

80% grade increase from last year

Nearly 1,000 students served

150 in the After-School program

700 in Summer Camp

20% more hires than last year, totaling 105 across the organization.

40% increase of meals served during programming. 82,000 meals to students in 1 year

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

"I started volunteering with ARTportunity Knocks in April of 2022 and will continue to work with them going forward. I personally witnessed how they have and continue to educate, empower, and love our youth in the community. They make learning fun for kids and also instill confidence in all children that have been a part of their programs and events."

"My daughters Khloe (12) and Kylie (8) also come with me to events to volunteer, perform, as well as always have fun. I started working as the volunteer coordinator in November and it has truly been enlightening, exciting, and a very fulfilling journey for me so far and I am excited to continue working with them this year."

Kristen Casey Volunteer Coordinator

“They make learning fun for kids and also instill confidence.”

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are the lifeline to our organization. From after school programs, specialty classes, and events there are many ways to support the community. We can't thank our volunteers enough for how big of an impact they've made this year.

Here's a quick look at the numbers from 2022.

141 Volunteers

626 Volunteer Hours

PROGRAMS OFFERED

YOUTH ARTS

Visual Arts

Drama

Dance

Culinary Arts

Music Theory

Piano

Music Engineering

Music Production

Robotics

Filmmaking

EDUCATION

Tutoring Learning Loss Intervention

HEALTHY KIDS

After School Program Dinner Program

Culinary Arts Nutrition

Demand for After School in Georgia

327,853

of Georgia’s school-aged children participated in after school programs in 2020

633,481

or or

but

more children would enroll if a program was available in their community

That’s a 16%

increase in the demand for after school programs since 2004 of children in after school are from low-income households

238,265

of Georgia’s children are alone and unsupervised between the hours of

THE TOP THREE ROADBLOCKS TO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

18% 42% and 33% 3pm 6pm Programs are too expensive

No safe way to get their child to and from programs

Percentage of parents reporting they did not enroll their child in an after school program because of these reasons

Lack of available programs

WHY WE NEED MORE PROGRAMS WHAT PARENTS SAY

19% 25%

of juvenile violent crimes occur during school days between:

70%

of Georgia parents say that after school programs help parents keep their jobs

and 3pm 7pm

45%+

of students attending 90 days or more at a 21st CCLC after school program improved math and reading test scores

90%

of students in a 4-year after school program graduated high school

94%

79%

11

fewer absences for students who are in after school programs for two years

of Georgia parents are satisfied with their child's after school program

of Georgia parents agree that afterschool programs provide working parents peace of mind

87%

13

of Georgia parents report their child's after school program provides a safe environment

SPONSORED BY:

CONTACT US | For more information on afterschool in Georgia go to www.afterschoolga.org

REFERENCES:

1-6Afterschool Alliance America After 3PM (2020) Retrieved December 8, 2020 from http://www afterschoolalliance org/AA3PM

7 Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Statistical Briefing Book "Juvenile Violent Crime Time of Day" Retrieved from https://www ojjdp gov/ojstatbb/offenders/qa03301 asp

8 Afterschool Alliance 21st Century Community Learning Centers: Providing Afterschool and Summer Learning Support to Communities Nationwide (May 2014) Retrieved from http://www afterschoolalliance org/documents/challenge2014/21stCCLCOverview FINAL pdf

9 Jay Smink Expanding Minds and Opportunities: the Power of Afterschool and Summer Learning for Student Success "A Proven Solution for Dropout Prevention: Expanded Learning Opportunities" Retrieved from https://www expandinglearning org/expandingminds/article/proven-solution-dropout-prevention-expanded-learning-opportunities

10 Attendance Works: Advancing Student Success by Reducing Chronic Absence Making the Case: How Good Afterschool Programs Improve Schoolday Attendance Retrieved from https://ies ed gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/west/relwestFiles/pdf/508 Afterschool Attendance Works pdf

11-14

Afterschool Alliance America After 3PM (2020) Retrieved December 8, 2020 from http://www afterschoolalliance org/AA3PM

WELCOME OUR NEWEST LOCATION

KIMBERLY ELEMENTARY

"The partnership with ARTportunity Knocks has made a tremendous difference in the lives of our families and the programming available for our school. Our parents were provided low/no cost after school tutoring, enrichment and childcare. Our teachers now have access to students for tutorial and extra curricular activities. Our school building has life after 3:00pm that truly changes the culture of our community. I am thankful for the partnership and the enhanced opportunities for our students. Looking forward to seeing this relationship with ARTportunity Knocks grow over time!"

-Joseph L. Salley Kimberly Principal

"I came to Artportunity Knocks at Fickett Elementary the Fall of 2021 as the Visual Arts Teacher I wanted to work towards the greater good, I wanted to make a difference. What I didn’t expect was the impact the students would have on me

Watching them blossom through the creative and technological programs offered through Artportunity Knocks filled my heart with joy. I watched them try new art materials and get comfortable with “letting go of perfection” in the art room. I wanted them to be free to make mistakes and try again. When asked if I had any favorites, with all sincerity, I replied, “They are all my favorites!”.

"With that, Ms. White and I wanted to do something special for the them. I started a Sponsorship for the winter holidays We worked on decorating Christmas cards and the children put a wishlist inside. With some help, I was able to find a sponsor for each child. The sponsors truly embodied the giving spirit of the holidays and each student in the Artportunity Knocks program received a sackful of wrapped gifts from their wishlists. We continued with what I hope will become a yearly tradition at AK this year too. Artportunity Knocks not only gives the students creative outlets, I have seen the programs build confidence in the kids as well as teach them how to learn from their mistakes and continue on to make good choices.

Sarah Kuchur Visual Arts Instructor

I am delighted to be a part of the Artportunity Knocks family!"

“They are all my favorites!” .

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

CREATIVE EDUCATION WORKSHOP (E-SPORTS)

We launched a free workshop for middle and high school students exploring two different learning paths: music technology and gaming (E-sports) taught by music and gaming professionals.

This experience equipped students with the skills and resources to become an asset in today's changing workforce climate.

Students then were able to visit DreamHack ATL to experience the professional world of gaming and esports thanks to Lanfest supporting local nonprofits to help provide future e-sports expansion to new regions

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

CREATIVE EDUCATION WORKSHOP (MUSIC TECHNOLOGY)

Music production attendees went through the process of creating a new project from scratch. The students were able to use industry level equipment for the first time.

Professional recording artist and producers assisted in coaching the students.

They walked away encouraged and even more excited to explore their musical passion.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Julin Martin has been apart of the organization since the beginning, starting off as a student at the age of 13. His love for the arts is what moved him to join and gain access to a new creative environment that also spoke to building strong character values to navigate success.

After graduating from High School he went on to pursue a degree in Audio Production while focusing on becoming a musical performing artist.

Since graduating from The Art Institute of Atlanta he has released several music projects under the name J'Eon, engineered music/audio recordings for others, and continues to serve within the organization to this day.

The first time traveling to a real recording studio as a teen was inspiring and enlightening to fuel my desire all the more in the music industry. I've been able to see first hand the love and care invested from the members of the company into the youth connected as well as adults that come in contact with the organization. It brings me a joy that's eye opening to see the effect I too am able to contribute when I invest my time supporting their vision to positively impact and strength the community as well"

Julin "J'Eon" Martin

"Artportunity Knocks has been there to allow me to experience in a creative and technical way things people usually only hear about

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

REMBRANDT LEVEL - $500K +

RAPHAEL LEVEL - $100K +

VAN GOGH LEVEL - $15K +

MICHELANGELO LEVEL - $

STREET ARTIST $1.5K +

APPRENTICE - $500 +

SUPPORT THE MISSION

You can continue to support Artportunity Knocks by donating or volunteering your time. Find out how by visiting our website at artportunityknocks.org or scan the QR code.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

WINSTON CHURCHILL