THE
ARTS COUNCIL OF PRINCETON is a nonprofit organization with a mission
of Building Community through the Arts. The Arts Council's new Michael
Graves designed Paul Robeson Center for the Arts will open to the public
in December 2007.
With a new gallery, theater and expanded studio facilities, the state-of-the-art
Robeson Center will serve as a cultural destination for the greater
Princeton community. Funds raised by Dream Dinners Silent Auction support
the Capital Campaign to build the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts.
Funds raised by Dining by Design support the many educational programs for youth the Arts Council offers the Princeton community. Corporate and individual support generated through Dining by Design allows the Arts Council to continue to improve and expand its programs, including free art instruction for at risk youth. Examples of the Arts Council's free arts education programs include: "Arts Exchange", a weekly after-school class for homeless youth provided in partnership with HomeFront in Trenton; and "Creative Fridays", an afternoon arts program for children in grades K-5 at Princeton Young Achievers' Community Learning Centers as part of their after school program. The Arts Council also works in partnership with Princeton Nursery School and local Princeton Schools to provide much needed quality art experiences for growing minds.
Art instruction not only expands young minds, boosts confidence and keeps children busy and off the streets, it has been proven to promote a higher level of success in academic subjects as well. Unfortunately, while accessible arts education does so much for a community, art centers around the nation are chronically under-funded. Attending fundraising events such as Dining by Design is one of the many ways members of the greater Princeton community can show their support.