The arts are an integral part of New York City life, and have defined the city as the world’s arts and cultural capital for the last century. From the Harlem Renaissance to the shining lights of Broadway, to the birth of Hip-Hop and street art, New York stands alone in shaping the arts around the world. Every New York City public school student is entitled to a rich arts education that taps into that legacy and affords them the opportunity to hone their voice as one of the future artists and authors of our great City.

The NYCPS Arts Office is dedicated to fulfilling the Chancellor’s vision for equity and access in arts education, by providing arts-based learning that meets the social emotional needs of New York City public school students.

The NYCPS Arts Office is proud to announce the 2024 Borough Arts Festivals, an annual opportunity to provide our students with the opportunity to shine by elevating their voices in the public space.

“Congratulations to all of the students who are presenting work in this year’s festivals around the City, and to their families. And a heartfelt thank you to the countless teachers, staff members, administrators, and Arts Office staff who support our students in building their craft and honing their voice.” – Paul Thompson, Executive Director, NYCPS Arts Office.

“The arts are what are needed for the soul and the spirit of all of our young people. A great arts education challenges students’ creatively and intellectually, creating a safe space for self-expression and nurturing pathways for student success. Student participation in the arts welcomes families into the life of a school community and neighborhood and opens the doors to the rich arts and cultural legacy that make New York City so great! Congratulations to our student artists and performers citywide as you share your artistry across the city in this year’s Borough Arts Festivals–and thanks to your families, teachers, and school leaders for the support they give you so that you can soar!” -Chancellor David C. Banks, NYC Public Schools.