Manhattan Arts Center (MAC) - 2024

Manhattan Arts Center (MAC) was awarded a $9,000 grant through the YES! Fund to support its "Arts for All" mission is rooted in the belief that every student should have access to high-quality arts education, regardless of financial circumstances.

With this support, MAC provided 32 unique classes and programs in clay, 2D art, and youth theatre, expanding the community's creative growth opportunities. In Spring 2025 alone, 28 students received full or partial scholarships to participate in MAC programs, with 30 more anticipated to be served in Fall 2025. In total, the YES! Fund allowed MAC to distribute $2,268 in scholarships during the spring semester, with an additional $2,430 projected for fall.

In addition to scholarships, the grant helped cover essential theatre and art supplies, allowing MAC to continue offering enriching, hands-on experiences that help young artists discover their passion and creativity in a supportive environment.

The impact of the funding is evident not just in numbers but in the stories shared by students and families:

"We have seen our child grow tremendously and find their thing this year during MACademy. Thank you to the kind teachers for creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong." – Susan, parent

"I love being at MAC. It's so fun and not school." – CH, age 9

"I was nervous to try a clay class, but the teacher was patient, and I had such a positive experience." – High school student

Thanks to the YES! Fund and support from GMCF, MAC continues to help the youth thrive, empowering them to find their voice, build confidence, and express themselves creatively through the arts.