OUR MISSION

Developing Artists (DA) teaches undervalued teens to relentlessly fight for positive social change through practical application of the performing arts. We help diverse students to proclaim themselves as artists and activists, to find their place and their connection in their community, and to bring about positive social change through participation in the arts.

Established in 1999, Developing Artists (DA) provides youth, who attend High Schools (13-19 years old) in the New York metropolitan area, the opportunity to study performing arts at the highest level and combat the disparity of arts education for students from under-served communities. We impact students by creating a forum to navigate life's increasing challenges (e.g. age discrimination, social injustices, gender inequality, institutional racism, economic disparity, sexism); to use their voice in dealing with these issues; and channel that energy into self­-expression and self­ confidence. DA has a track record of engaging positively with those who face significant barriers in their daily lives.  We strive to create a supportive young artist community through our REBEL VERSES Youth Arts Festival (RV).

Team

Artistic Director  - Jill DeArmon
Executive Director - Jinn S. Kim
Program Director - Megan Greener
Producing Director - Lianne Becker
Marketing Coordinator - Diana Barrion
Media & Communications Specialist - Samantha Guzman
Software Engineer - Chris Bell

Board

Co-Chairs - Heather Corbett & Kelly Dunn
Ann Marie Almeida, Jill DeArmon, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Jinn S. Kim, Jenice L. Malecki, Julian Elijah Martinez, Ana Ortiz, Louis Schloss (In memoriam), Sarah-Beth White, David Zayas

Advisory Council - Kevin Geer (In memoriam), Sean Headley, Philip Seymour Hoffman (In memoriam), Phivos Christofides, Russell G. Jones, Diana Oh, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephen Sapp, Sarah Sidman, Ben Snyder, Barbara Toy