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ARTS IN EDUCATION

Empowering underserved students through arts education, JGCO’s Arts in Education
program enriches the lives of youth in New York City’s most marginalized communities.

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The Arts in Education program at JGCO brings vibrant, high-quality arts programming to underserved New York City public schools, filling critical gaps left by traditional education channels. Serving grades Pre-K through 12 in historically marginalized communities like The Bronx, Brownsville, and Harlem, the program offers students a rich array of artistic disciplines—including ballet, African dance, drumming, filmmaking, and theater—woven into a curriculum that aligns with New York State Arts Standards. This ensures students not only develop creative skills but also meet key educational benchmarks.


Arts in Education at JGCO is divided into two key sectors: Residencies and Lecture Demonstrations.

“As a lifelong Brooklynite and a public servant for the 35th District, I have seen first hand how JGCO has been a force for good in the Brooklyn community. Jamel and his team produce incredible performing artists and do wonders for our schools and community members, including many of my constituents. Jamel Gaines’s teaching staff are the highest caliber of artists; and they are individuals who, more often than not, got their start in the rehearsal studios of JGCO.” ​

Crystal Hudson (New York City Council Member, District 35)

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Residencies

Residencies bring professional teaching artists directly into schools, engaging students in hands-on workshops that develop technical skills, cultural awareness, and creative expression. Led by BIPOC artists—including seasoned educators, Broadway performers, and alumni of renowned dance companies—these residencies immerse students in disciplines such as:

  • Dance (Ballet, Modern, Jazz, African Dance)

  • Drumming and Music

  • Theater and Spoken Word

  • Filmmaking

  • Visual Arts
     

Residencies can range from six weeks to a full school year, culminating in a final performance that showcases students' growth and artistic achievements. Through storytelling, call-and-response, and thematic units on Black history and social justice, students gain a deeper appreciation for African-American heritage and the power of the arts as a tool for expression and change.

Lecture Demonstrations

JGCO’s professional Dance Theatre Company offers Lecture Demonstrations, live performances that bring history and social issues to life through dance, spoken word, and music. These educational performances are designed for the entire school community, including students who may not be enrolled in residency classes, ensuring broad access to cultural enrichment.
 

Performance Themes Include:

  • Black History as World History

  • Social Justice Narratives

  • The Transformative Power of Art
     

Lecture Demonstrations combine original choreography, spoken word, and live music with interactive call-and-response, creating an engaging and immersive educational experience.

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The Arts In Education program not only educates students but also fosters a deeper connection between schools and their wider communities. Through community engagement, we invite families to participate in workshops that celebrate cultural heritage and artistic expression, while community performances provide a space for students to share their work, strengthening bonds and encouraging collective celebration.

Equally important is how we assess impact—tracking student progress in technical and creative skills, conducting pre/post surveys to measure confidence, resilience, and cultural awareness, and gathering performance feedback from students, teachers, and families. These evaluations ensure that our program continues to evolve, empowering students with creativity, confidence, and a broader understanding of the world around them.

In-School Performances

BOOK NOW!!! | We bring the performance to your school

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Hispanic Heritage

Celebrate our planet through movement and storytelling in this dynamic performance by Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. Earth Day blends dance, music, and visual elements to highlight environmental awareness, encouraging audiences to reflect on their connection to nature and the importance of sustainability.

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Women's History

Honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history in this inspiring performance by Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. Through powerful choreography, music, and storytelling, Women’s History Month highlights the voices and contributions of women across cultures, celebrating their impact on the past, present, and future.

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REMEMBERING

This powerful performance honors the history and cultural significance of Juneteenth through expressive choreography, spoken word, and music. It celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and joy while educating audiences about the legacy of emancipation in the United States.

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Earth Day
April

Celebrate our planet through movement and storytelling in this dynamic performance by Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. Earth Day blends dance, music, and visual elements to highlight environmental awareness, encouraging audiences to reflect on their connection to nature and the importance of sustainability.

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Valintine Memory

Celebrate love in all its forms with this heartfelt performance by Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet. Blending expressive choreography, music, and storytelling, Valentine’s Day explores themes of connection, friendship, and self-love, leaving audiences inspired by the beauty and power of human relationships.

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Juneteenth
June

This powerful performance honors the history and cultural significance of Juneteenth through expressive choreography, spoken word, and music. It celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and joy while educating audiences about the legacy of emancipation in the United States.

Artsineducation@creativeoutlet.org | TEXT: 929-699-0450

New York City schools we are in at the moment!​

 

  • P.S. 011, P.S. 44, P.S. 46, P.S. 67, P.S. 70, P.S. 111, P.S. 189, P.S. 207, P.S. 256, P.S. 307

  • M.S. 113, M.S. 691

  • Dock Street School 

  • Thurgood Marshall Lower School 

  • Urban Assembly School for Green Careers

  • Academy of Arts & Letters 

  • Brooklyn HS for Law & Tech

  • FDA 8 (Frederick Douglass Academy VIII)

  • Urban Action Academy

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