The City of Hoboken today announced the launch of an expanded summer arts program for Hoboken youth. Organized by the City's Division of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Dance with Derrick, the program aims to provide enriching and creative outlets for Hoboken youth between the ages of 8 and 14 and paid leadership opportunities for teens between the ages of 15 and 18.
The summer arts program will offer workshops in salsa, hip hop, dance, spoken word, theater, photography, drawing, acting, mural arts, fashion, sculptural, and more.
“Expanding our summer art programs means opening more doors for young people to discover their passions and grow through creative expression,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “Art has the power to inspire, connect, and empower, and every child in our city deserves access to that opportunity. This investment reflects our commitment to youth, equity, and a thriving cultural future for our community. Thank you to our dedicated Cultural Affairs staff and Dance with Derrick for partnering to offer these critical experiences to our youth.”
These classes will be offered in addition to the long-running Art in the Park program for toddlers. They are scheduled in collaboration with the Hoboken Recreation program, allowing Hoboken youth to attend Recreation sports in the morning and arts classes in the afternoon.
Classes will be held in the 7th & Jackson Street Gym and the ResilienCity Park Community Room, Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will be held for five sessions:
Residents are welcome to sign up for one class or several, depending on their interests and availability. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Classes are offered free of charge to families that qualify for free and reduced lunch, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent young people from participating.
The new paid Teen Leaders-in-Training Program will provide Hoboken youth between the ages of 15 and 18 with valuable leadership skills while they assist professional artists with the above classes. Applicants must have an interest in the arts and mentoring younger students, and must go through an interview process. Space is limited. A full description and qualifications can be found at hoboken.recdesk.com
For more information and to register, go to https://hoboken.recdesk.com/Community/Program. Registration for Art in Park, the new summer arts programs, and the Teen Leaders-In-Training Program opens on Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. The deadline to apply to the Teen-Leaders-in-Training Program is Friday, May 23, at 6 p.m.
