Empowering Creativity, Building Community
Dear Friends,
I’m thrilled to share this year’s Annual Report with you as we celebrate a huge milestone—25 years of making a difference through arts education!
When KID smART was founded in 1999, our goal was simple: to bring the transformative power of arts education to ALL New Orleans students. Looking back, I’m proud to say we’ve stayed true to that mission and touched the lives of so many individuals and communities.
This year has been incredible. Our programs have thrived, and our workshops, exhibitions, and community outreach have expanded in exciting ways.
Here are some highlights from the past year:
• We partnered with 12 public schools, reaching over 3,000 students
• We hosted our first Arts & Education Conference
• We launched our first cohort of high school students in the Bloomberg Arts Internship
• We supported our partners at over 10 community events
• We dazzled at our Cocktails for KID smART silver anniversary
Looking ahead, we’re excited about growing our programs, building new partnerships, and remaining a hub of creativity and innovation. Our commitment to making arts education accessible to everyone is as strong as ever, and we know the next 25 years will be even more impactful.
None of this would be possible without you, our incredible supporters. Your belief in our mission and your generous contributions are the foundation of our success. On behalf of the entire KID smART family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to celebrating 25 years of creativity, education, and community, and to many more years of inspiring change together.
Warmly,
Elise Gallinot Goldman Executive Director
Meet The Team
Elise Gallinot Goldman Executive Director
Stephanie Heriger Director of Community Partnerships
Krystal Henderson Operations Manager
Paul Malbrough Jr. Arts Integration Specialist
Dr. Kyley Pulphus-Smith Education Director
Madisyn Pina Communications Director
Sirah Laub Finance Manager
Samantha King Arts Integration Specialist
Jillian Desiree Oliveras Managing Director of Institutional Strategy & Development
Daphne Parker Powell Outreach & Events Manager
Mia Rotondo Arts Integration Specialist
Zeb Hollins III Arts Integration Specialist
Delia Grimes Program Coordinator
Andrea Panzeca Teaching Artist
LaVonna Varnado-Brown Teaching Artist
Erica Christmas Teaching Artist
Chrissy Purcell Administrative Coordinator
Emily Chiarizio Teaching Artist
Jasper Means Teaching Artist
Jahise LeBouef Teaching Artist
Eren Wilson Teaching Artist
Kitty O’Connor Teaching Artist
Cori Jenkins Teaching Artist
FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
Dear Supporters,
In a world filled with challenging news, difficult conversations, social inequities, and constant change, KID smART stands as a beacon of hope, joy, imagination, and possibility!
This year welcomes our 25th Anniversary of existence, and we could not be more proud to celebrate a tremendous amount of milestones, a phenomenal Executive Director, an incredibly talented team of devoted staff, a strong Board of Directors, and the countless amount of lives of young people we have touched over the past two decades! It is with great pleasure that we present our Annual Report.
In this next chapter, we are ready and positioned to expand
our social impact, deepen our commitment to becoming a critical thought leader within arts education, and drive increased organizational sustainability.
We welcome your support via philanthropic donations, volunteering at any of our local events, spreading the word of our work and impact, and if you’re an educator or educational leader, partnering with us to serve your students and families.
We could not have accomplished all that we have to date without your help, and thank you in advance for your support in advancing what we feel every child should have access and the right to...education through imagination!
With love,
Krystal Hardy Allen Board Chair
How Does Arts Integration Lead To Deeper Learning & Understanding?
Picture A Classroom
where creativity brings learning to life, where students not only learn academic subjects but also express their understanding through art.
That’s the power of arts integration— an innovative teaching approach that fuels students’ imaginations.
At KID smART, we believe in the transformative potential of arts integration. It’s about connecting different subjects with artistic expression to create meaningful and memorable learning experiences. When we foster creativity, we help
young minds embrace challenges, express themselves authentically, and empathize with others—skills that are crucial today.
Through our work in schools, support for educators, and active community involvement, KID smART aims to inspire people of all ages to embrace creativity, nurture their talents, and find inspiration through the arts.
Our 2023-2024 Creative Schools
Our Creative Schools Program brought the transformative power of the arts to over 3,000 students in New Orleans.
By integrating arts into the classroom, we not only enhance student engagement but also boost academic performance. Last year, we also provided over 100 hours of arts-integrated instruction to teachers, equipping them with innovative teaching strategies.
“I can see that my teaching style has changed. The arts improve my students’ engagement, participation, and desire to learn.”
100% of teachers saw an improvement in students’ abilities to express their ideas, thoughts, and emotions
97% of educators saw an improvement in students’ abilities to comprehend and retain curriculum
227,160 minutes of student-facing instruction provided
“It was so helpfultolearn enablestrategiesthat studentsexpresstocreatively their understanding ofconcepts to engagementincreaseand meaningfulfun!”
Earning Top Scores In Quality Education
KID smART’s dedication to arts integration has been validated through a recent Program Quality Assessment (PQA) conducted by The Forum for Youth Investment and The Center for Youth Program Quality. This assessment highlighted KID smART’s exceptional ability to create supportive and engaging learning environments.
Notably, our work outperformed average benchmarks in two domains: supporting struggling students and promoting active engagement.
These results affirm the power of arts integration in enhancing student learning and fostering a love for education. With every creative project completed, students not only grasp their academic subjects more deeply but develop confidence and a passion for exploration.
EnSafevironment
EnSupportive vironment Interaction Engagement
KID smART
Youth PQA Multi-Year Sample
CULTURE
How Do We Cultivate Belonging Through Our Work?
Connecting Educators & Sparking Joy
Our inaugural Arts & Education Conference was an entirely new adventure for our team. As first-time organizers of such a significant event, we aimed to create a meaningful and inclusive experience for all attendees.
The diverse workshops, led by our Arts Integration Specialists and twelve community partners, offered practical tools for educators while fostering a sense of community and days have been so magical that it really pulled me out of my shell. I’ve made new friends.” With another noting, “I’ve been overwhelmed with the positive energy, love, and creativity that is being put into educators and children of our city.” Our favorite of them all? “This Feels
“THIS FEELS LIKE SUMMER CAMP!!!”
A standout moment was our Advocacy Day, featuring Jeannette McCune from the Kennedy Center and a panel with Sayde F. Finkel, Director of Legislative & Public Policy for the Office of City Council Chair Helena Moreno; Flagboy Giz, Artist & Culture Bearer; Brandon Ferguson, Principal at International School of Louisiana West Bank; and Pamela Blackmon, Programs Manager at Preservation Hall Foundation. The discussions on arts education policy and funding were engaging and insightful, with youth from our Bloomberg Arts Internship actively participating and sharing their hopes for their schools.
The Conference fostered a deep sense of belonging and connection among educators. The enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved made it a truly special occasion, as we continue to work towards a more inclusive and imaginative approach to education through the arts.
From Stage to Classroom: Musicians Learn to Engage Students Through the Arts
Art Goes to School: Musicians in the Classroom, led by KID smART Arts Integration Specialist Mia Rotondo, brought together 15 world-class musicians from New Orleans’ historic Preservation Hall.
Over two days, the workshop transformed these talented musicians into skilled educators, equipping them with the tools to connect with young people through the arts.
Although these musicians are renowned for their performances, most had never been trained in teaching. The workshop began with personal storytelling, where musicians shared how music impacted their lives, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
They then explored creative and inclusive ways to engage children of different ages through music. As part of this partnership, each KID smART Creative School has access to an inschool or field trip opportunity with Preservation Hall.
Lyrica Baroque musicians spent two days with Mia, focused on bringing social-emotional learning into classrooms through the With Feeling & Music Program. Musicians and KID smART Teaching Artists will partner to lead two-week residencies in Creative Schools this fall and spring.
We’re thrilled to witness how empowered each musician felt after these workshops. We will sustain this momentum with ongoing support, resources, and professional development, ensuring educational excellence in our communities.
Honoring Emmett Till: 8th Graders Reflect on Civil Rights History Through Art
Learning about American history often brings challenging and emotional topics to the forefront.
For eighth graders, exploring Civil Rights, Jim Crow laws, and the daily dangers faced by Black Americans in the 1950s is a pivotal part of their education. Arts-integrated lessons play a crucial role in helping students process these complex feelings.
One particularly poignant story is that of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black teenager murdered in 1955 after being falsely accused by a white woman. His tragic death brought national attention to the horrors of lynching in America. To honor Emmett Till, students in Teacher Erens’ class at Hynes Lakeview drew portraits of him, focusing on his life as a vibrant and joyful young man before his untimely death.
The students showed remarkable dedication, creating portraits based on the few existing photographs of Emmett Till as a happy and healthy youth. Even though they had the option to opt-out if the topic was too upsetting, every student chose to participate, honoring Emmett Till through their artwork.
These young Americans demonstrated exceptional commitment to learning and artistic expression.
Exploring the Civil Rights era in Teacher Erens’ class was a deeply rewarding experience for all involved. Enjoy the results of their hard work!
How Do We Support Strong & Supportive Collaborations?
Bringing The Bloomberg Arts Internship To The South
This summer, KID smART was proud to partner with Bloomberg Philanthropies to bring the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program to New Orleans – joining a network of only six other cities nationally. BAI provides rising public high school students paid internship opportunities at arts and cultural institutions throughout the summer before their senior year. In addition to their time at their assigned worksites, student interns also meet collectively as a cohort for student-centered workshops that develop their college and career readiness, as well as their general creative and civic engagement. Interns also participated in weekly
arts excursions that allowed them to connect directly to the culture and artistry of their hometown and the artists and culture bearers that continue to shape our city. This summer students visited the Helis Foundation John Scott Center, the House of Dance and Feathers, the Backstreet Cultural Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, JAM NOLA and StudioBE. Interns also participated in the New Orleans Arts Education Alliance (NOAEA) Arts Education Advocacy Day as part of KID smART’s 2024 Arts & Education Conference.
BAI Program Overview
I’ve gained so much cultural knowledge about my city that I would have never imagined existed prior to joining, while also being able to afford the things I need to be successful during my senior year.
–Eric Lewis, BAI NOLA ‘24
12 worksites partnered with us to provide arts-based job experiences
18 interns were selected across seven public highschools
This experience has enriched my artistic abilities and broadened my perspective on human connection and personal growth, making this internship an invaluable chapter in my journey of self-discovery.
–Ja’Ryn Willis, BAI NOLA
‘24
Financial Report
KID smART’s financial resilience and responsible resource management have kept us strong.
We are thrilled to see a significant rise in support from institutional donors, highlighting the growing trust and confidence in our mission. This financial stability, coupled with our expanding donor base, allows us to drive deeper
learning through transformative artsintegrated education. By fostering a sense of belonging in our community and cultivating strong collaborations and partnerships, we enhance the creative potential of children and build toward a brighter future.
Foundation Donations
$1,041,496 • 51%
Earned Income
$468,415 • 23%
Corporate Donations
$211,612 • 10%
Other
$10,287 • 1%
Government Grants
$117,235 • 6%
Individual Donations
$109,276 • 5%
Investment Income
$87,934 • 4%
*pre-audit numbers
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR DONORS
AHB Foundation, Arts New Ministries, Bernard & Patricia / Rebold Family Foundation,
Booth-Bricker Fund, Goldring Foundation, Jones Walker Library of Congress, Mary & Rebold, National Endowment Arts Education Alliance, Ochsner Tolmas Charitable Trust, Primary Foundation, Rachel & Bryan Bailey, Holt Family Foundation, The Keller Penny Project Foundation, The Foundation, The Sunstone Project
Orleans, Baptist Community
Patricia Goldstein Family Foundation Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies,
Family Foundation, GPOA
LLP, Lambent Foundation, Bill Hines, Nancy & Matthew Endowment for the Arts, New Orleans Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Oscar J. Primary Eye Care, Pro Bono Publico Bailey, The Helis Foundation, The Keller Family Foundation, The The Price Fund, The RosaMary Project
Thank You Donors!
$5,000-$10,000
Artspace
Erin & JP Hymel
Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency
James A. Haslam II
Mary E. Peters & Robert W. Polchow Foundation
Michael Mimeles
New Orleans Recreation & Culture Fund
Regions Bank
Vivian & Richard Cahn
$1,500-$4,999
Aimee & Mike Siegel
Allison Stewart
Andrew Lyman
AOS Interior Environments
Argent Trust Company
Azby Fund
Better NOLA Fund
Carey Bond & Henry Lambert
Carol & Tom Reese
Cathy & Mark McRae
Consuelo Garza Griffith Fund
David & Jackie Weill
Elly & Merritt Lane
Georgiana & Ira Platt
Gwenesta & Kenneth Melton
James & Mayme Rowland Foundation
Lauren & Patrick Templeman
Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy
Meryt & Peter Harding
Nancia Sterling & Kristen Amond
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc.
Noble Minds Institute for Whole Child Learning
Rebecca & Richard Weber
Ruth U. Fertel Foundation
Sheldon Lykes
Susan & Charles Schadt Fund
Susu & Andrew Stall
The Gayle & Tom Benson Charitable Foundation
Vincent Saia & Glynn
Stephens
William Cullison
$500-$1,499
Amanda & Don Massey
Amh Family Foundation
Barbara & Thomas Sands
Brittany Bansak
Cameron & Paul Richard
Camille Patti & Gregor Fox
Caroline & Murray Calhoun
Celeste Cahn
Deirdre & Christian Hooper
Dumas Family Fund
Dumez Development Group
Dyann Collins
Emeril Lagasse Foundation
Felicia Rabito & Bill Ellison
Gretchen & Peter Howard
Jackie Sullivan
Janet & Scott Howard
Jeanette & Jeff Weiland
Jennifer & John Rareshide
Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana
Jill Dupre & Joshua Mayer
Jill Nalty
John W. Sinnott
Jonathan & Cherie Thompson
Family Fund
Karen & Ollie Edmunds
Krista & Michael Dumas
Krystal Hardy Allen
Lauren Hebert
Linda Usdin & Steven Bingler
Lindy Grohmann
Lisa Puckett Sinders
Margo & Clancy DuBos
Marguerite LLC
Mary Ann & Peter Moss
Mary Lucy & David Lane
Melanee & Steve Usdin
Provosty & Gankendorff, LLC
R. Campbell Hutchinson
Ralph Shaw
Reily Foundation | Boatner
Reily Family Fund
Retina Consultants of New Orleans
Robert E. Zetzmann Family Foundation
Robin & Bruce Crutcher
Sally & Jay Lapeyre
Sandy Feingerts & Jack Wiener
Sissy Blewster
Stacy & Trey Drury
Stacy Melvin
Susan & Jimmy Gundlach
Suzanne & Steve Dumez
The Greater New Orleans Foundation
The Have a Dream Fund
Thomas Lewis
Troy Scroggins Jr.
Yield Giving Open Call Fund
$150 -$499
Allison & George Freeman
Allison Lewis & Pierre Stouse Family Fund
Alvertha & Austin Penny
Andrew O’Neill
Ann DeLorenzo & Lindsay Calhoun
Barbara Lawson
Bill & Gabrielle Mimeles
Caralena Peterson
Dionne & Norman Barnum
Donald Marshall
Emily Wolff
Georgina Molar
Ingrid Zimmer
Jane & Rodney Steiner
Jane Boettcher
Jonathan McCall
Jonathan McHugh
Julie Koppman & Brian Bain
Karen & Alan Trachtman
Karen Rappaport McHugh
Kate Palmer
Kathleen Hebert
Leah Grassi
Leslie Goldberg
Michelle & Aaron Dumont
Monique & Bob McCleskey
Nathan & Ginny Horner
PaintSpace NOLA
Phoebe Gellman
Pizza Delicious
Preservation Hall Foundation
Reily Foundation / Steve & Melanee Usdin Family Fund
Stuart Gay
Susan Barnett
Suzanne & Mike Kearney
Virginia Croft
Virginia Davis
Yoni Goldstein
<$150
Adele & John Tiblier
Aden A. Burka
Amy & John Haspel
Amy Davidson
Ann E. Borreson M.D.
Ann Thorpe Thompson
Ashlei Turner
Beth Delforge
Bethany & Eric Paulsen
Cami Capodice
Catherine Clark
Chance Brignac
Charles L. Whited Jr.
Claire Thriffiley
Courtney Marse
Crescent City Technologies
Cynthia Garza
Dana Reed
Daniel McGrath
Dianne & Joe Caverly
Elise Gallinot Goldman & Matthew Goldman
Elizabeth & Brandon Long
Elizabeth & David Langlois
Erin Brady-Wiggins
Gail & Ned Bergin
Harriet Riley & Greg Browne
Heather Szapary
Ian Johnson
Jan & John Gallinot
Jean Cole
Jeremy Hunnewell
Jesse Lipson
Joan Kay
John Clemmer
Katherine O’Hagan
Keely Romano
Kerrie McNeal
Kim & Harry Rosenberg
Kimberly Bonaventure
Leigh & Robby Moss
Leigh Aucoin
Linda Binder
Lisa Mount & MK Wegmann
Lynne Stern
Meg Miles
Martha Goodloe
Martine & Juan Linares
Mary & Ted Laborde
Mary & William Sanders
Meg & Jonathon Fligg
Myra Loker Menville
Nell & Eugene Tilton
Network for Good | Bonterra
Nicole Hershey
Nikki Mason
Phyllis Beattie
Rachel White
Ragan & Dino Gankendorff
RE/MAX N. O. Properties
Rick Grahovac
Sarah Schirmer
Sharon St. Angelo
Sherrill & Emanuel Benjamin
Stephanie Heriger
Steve Bynum
Susan & Ed Colton
Susan Hutchinson
Susan Phillips
Teresa R. Ogden
Terry & Mike Fontham
The Lash Lounge
The Rob Steinberg Giving Fund
Theresa Young
Thomas & Irene Lutkewitte
Tiana Nobile
Tiffany Delcour
Tim & Duane Couch
Toryah Cameron
Tross Family
Usdin Weil Foundation / Cathy & Andy Burka Fund
Wendy M. Farrelly
IN-KIND
Aimee Siegel
Allison Stewart
Bianca Walker
Chad Smith
Dr. Ruth Owens & Dr. Dave Jensen
Four Seasons New Orleans
Gretchen Weller Howard
Independent Caveau
Le Petit Theatre
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Martin Wine Cellar
Mo’s Art Supply
New Orleans Museum Of Art
Ogden Museum of Southern
Art
Patsy Grace
Rhenda Saporito
Studio Kiro
Trenity Thomas
Urban South Brewery
Zoe Cuneo
2533 Columbus St., Suite 201
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
504.940.1994 | KIDsmART.org
FY24 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Krystal Hardy Allen Board Chair
Jeanette Weiland Treasurer
Gretchen Weller Howard
Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
Nic Brierre Aziz
Stephanie Coln
William H. Hines
Dr. Jarrett Johnson
Martine Chaisson Linares
Dr. Gwenesta Melton
Michael Mimeles
John Rareshide
Nancy Rebold
Carol McMichael Reese
Nancia Sterling
Rachel Woolridge
Emily Wolff
Stuart Gay
EMERITUS
Campbell Hutchinson
1999-2023
Allison Stewart