WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved $200,000 to help the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) fund two art and dance after school programs.  The funding was included in the Department of Commerce, Justice, and Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010.  The next step for the bill is approval by the United States Senate.

“After school programs invest in our children’s future and help develop critical thinking and creative skills that prevent teenage delinquency,” said Rep. Towns “I am proud to support this program that utilizes the power of art and dance to positively impact the lives of Brooklyn’s at-risk youth.”

The funds secured by Rep. Towns support the “Art and Justice” and “Dance Africa Education” after school programs provided by the BAM Youth Initiatives Project.  BAM will utilize the funds to cover expenses associated with running the after school programs.

BAM launched the Art and Justice program in 2006 in collaboration with Red Hook Youth Court to provide 22 bi-weekly drama and visual arts workshops that focus on crime and its repercussions in the justice system.  The Dance Africa Education Program helps children from the Bedford-Stuyvesant, Fort Greene, and Clinton Hill neighborhoods develop artistic and critical thinking skills by engaging students in music, dance and visual arts classes that examine Africa and the African Diaspora.  

At the end of each semester, the programs culminate with student exhibits and a performance at the BAM Howard Gillman Opera House.

“When our children succeed, the entire Brooklyn community benefits,” added Rep. Towns.

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