Welcome to heARTS! We are an organization that was founded by kids, for kids. Our mission is simple: we want to make sure all kids have access to the arts.
In 2011, our founder, Virginia Newsome, noticed that many schools and programs, including her own performing arts high school, were having to cut or even eliminate their arts budgets. This was being done even though study after study has shown that students who participate in the arts while in school do better academically and have fewer behavior problems. Instead of whining about the budget cuts, Virginia decided to take action by forming an organization that would try to fill the void left in these schools and programs.
Today, heARTS accepts requests from schools and programs throughout the world who need visual and performing arts supplies or opportunities. heARTs volunteers then seek to fulfill the request through a variety of ways including:
. soliciting donations of new or gently used items
. soliciting monetary donations so we can purchase the needed items
. redistributing arts supplies and items that have been given to heARTS to those in need
. conducting workshops and classes in all art forms
. providing tickets to shows when possible
. creating projects like “Backpacks of Inspiration” designed to give kids an artistic outlet
heARTS also uses its platform as an opportunity to educate people about the importance of the arts in all of our lives. It is important to share studies and statistics about arts education when possible and heARTS does so by sharing important facts with its Facebook, Twitter and website viewers.
Today, heARTS continues to be based in Lexington, KY but is actively recruiting and appointing Area Directors throughout the United States to help spread our mission and serve as many children as we can.
heARTS is an official 501c3 organization. All donations to heARTS are 100% tax deductible.
We hope you share out interest in making sure all children have the opportunity to enjoy the arts during their school years. Please take time to browse our site, sign up to volunteer or donate what you can. And if you know a school or program in need, encourage them to make a request. We will do our best to fulfill it!
After founding heARTS at the age of 15, Virginia Newsome graduated as a drama major from the School for Creative and Performing Arts at Lafayette High School in Lexington, KY. She is currently studying Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University. At OCU she is a Blue Tie Ambassador, a member of OCULeads and a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, in addition to being involved in other campus groups and activities. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking cupcakes and performing as she sings, dances and acts her way through life. She loves to make new friends and share her passion for the arts with others.
Virginia Newsome:
CEO and Founder
heARTS: "Bringing Music, Art, and Theatre Back Into the Lives of Children"
Virginia Newsome:
CEO and Founder