$750,000 for NYC Youth!
What. A. Summer!! Thanks to generous funding from the NYC Department of Probation, TAP was able to put $750k directly into the hands of over 1,400 14-24 year old New Yorkers and their communities, most of which had been hit the hardest by Covid-19.
TAP joined The Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) Summer program offering 2 small groups a week over 6 weeks. Participants were paid to receive training in many aspects of the animation pipeline including storytelling, design, rigging, texturing, voice acting, and editing from professional Animators. Participants also engaged in meaningful creative activities facilitated by Creative Arts Therapists.
The community gathered together every Friday for a Mega webinar featuring a diverse selection of industry professional guests speakers who shared the stories, work, and industry insights. Here, Idris Solomon of HBO’s Interactive Design department shares his journey of finding his voice as an artist.
Friday’s also included the celebration of artwork created by participants throughout the week. Submissions ranged from character sketches to found object sculptures to animatics!
Our incredible team ran a total of 78 groups this summer! Each group was unique and jam packed with information, inspiration, creativity, and connection. We are so proud or our staff and participants!
Check out what some participants had to say about their favorite parts of the program!