The Kirk Foundation has awarded a generous $25,000 grant to Arts for Learning (A4L) to launch a comprehensive 17-week arts education program in partnership with Centro Campesino. This initiative aims to enrich the lives of 140 students from kindergarten through eighth grade at two South Florida locations, beginning in January 2025.
This collaboration marks a reconnection between A4L and The Kirk Foundation, founded by R. Kirk Landon, a philanthropic stalwart who played an instrumental role in establishing A4L over two decades ago. Mr. Landon provided the organization’s first financial gift and served as its founding Board Chair. His legacy continues to influence the mission of A4L, which has grown to serve more than 5,000 children annually through diverse arts programming across schools, preschools, parks, and community centers.
Mr. Landon’s vision was rooted in the belief that every child should have access to world-class educational opportunities, including in the arts. After commissioning a study that revealed significant gaps in arts instruction within Miami schools, he stepped in with a $150,000 seed grant and rallied community leaders to establish A4L as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2001.
The new program will take place at Centro Campesino’s afterschool locations in Homestead and Florida City, where 70 students at each site will engage in weekly sessions focused on creativity, critical thinking, social-emotional learning, and collaboration. Designed to dismantle barriers to access, this initiative seeks to provide all children with hands-on arts experiences in a supportive environment.
“This partnership with Arts for Learning enables us to offer enhanced and specialized arts experiences to the youth we serve,” said Barbara Cesar, Director of Education at Centro Campesino.
A4L’s six-step creative process—igniting curiosity, researching, creating, refining, presenting, and reflecting—promises to foster personal growth and artistic skills among participating students.
“Expanding our programs into the South Dade community has been a strategic goal for Arts for Learning,” said Sheila Womble, Executive Director of A4L. “We are delighted that the partnership with Centro Campesino has the funding it needs to flourish. The support from The Kirk Foundation is incredibly meaningful as they helped us begin our work 24 years ago. Sharing the same goals, we are dedicated to ensuring that children thrive through deep engagement in the arts.”
Rosa Santiago, President of The Kirk Foundation, expressed pride in once again supporting A4L’s initiative. “This program aligns with our mission. We believe that through the arts, these students will gain not only creative skills but also confidence and resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.”
With this grant, A4L embarks on a transformative journey to elevate arts education in South Dade, carrying forward a legacy that began with R. Kirk Landon’s passionate commitment to empowering young minds through the arts.
Annually, A4L’s services are delivered to more than 5,000 children and youth in more than 60 schools, preschools, after-school programs, and summer camps throughout Miami-Dade.
www.a4lmiami.org