Arts without Boundaries
2025 AWB Registration is OPEN!
"Performing arts: where passion takes center stage and stories come alive"
Arts without Boundaries mission is to provide access to high-quality performing arts education and opportunities for young people, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, with the goal of fostering creativity, self-expression, and personal growth."
This mission statement emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusion in providing performing arts education to young people in the Philadelphia Area. It also highlights the potential benefits of performing arts education, such as fostering creativity and personal growth. By focusing on these goals, Arts without Boundaries helps to empower young people and create a more vibrant and diverse community.
WHYY Segment on Awb Youth Community Theater
Segment on WHYY “You Outa Know” Highlighting AWB 2024
original musical prodcution “Journey in OZ”
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Did You Know...
- Students With Access To Arts Education Are 5x Less Likely To Drop Out Of School
- 4x More Likely To Be Recognized For Academic Achievement
- 3x More Likely To Pursue A Bachelor’s Degree
- Students With Access To Art Education Score Higher On Literacy, Writing, and English Proficiency Skills
Creativity
Enabling young individuals to have the freedom to express their creativity across various domains, is crucial for their development into resilient and empowered individuals.
Commuity
Establishing a sense of community and fostering connections with those they share life experiences with are vital in laying the groundwork for respect and mutual understanding.
Confidence
Confidence serves as the fundamental building block for young individuals, empowering them to believe in their capacity to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
At AWB the Arts has a
Purpose
Journey in OZ
June 2024
The Lion King Jr.
June 2023
June 2025
Get to know AWB
Meet Our Team
Meet the Arts without Boundaries team and Advisory Board
What we offer
Explore what we offer in programming, resources and training.
Media Page
Look at the history of our organization through pictures and videos.
Nina
Kenney-McCrae
Executive Director
Meet our Executive Director
Nina Kenney-McCrae, born and raised in West Philadelphia,
commenced her artistic journey at the young age of 7,
immersing herself in theatre at Freedom Theatre, while
simultaneously pursuing music lessons at Settlement Music
School. As her passion for music grew, she pursued her
formal education at Berklee College of Music, specializing in
Professional Music with a focus on non-profit leadership.
Throughout her career, Nina has been actively involved in
various organizations, including the YMCA of Cambridge, the
YMCA of Chinatown Boston, Kimmel Center, and the Boys
and Girls Club of Mercer County, where she has designed
comprehensive arts curriculum, employed as a teaching
artist, and facilitated programming. Moreover, she has
generously shared her expertise by providing vocal
coaching and teaching services to many organizations over
her 15-year career in the field of Performing arts education.
- Nina's primary objective for AWB is to deliver high-quality
youth programming that creates environments for children
to develop, acquire essential skills, and cultivate discipline
across all facets of their lives.
Meet the partners who help us stay creative in the communities we serve
The 1926 Foundation, Incorporated 2022 Annual Day of Sharing Grant
Philadelphia
Cultural Fund
The
Mockingbird Foundation
Arts without Boundaries is Fiscally Partnered with FNC
Philadelphia
Activities Fund
The
Compassion CDC
The Bartol Foundation
At Arts without Boundaries, we firmly believe that diversity is the heartbeat of artistic expression and the key to unlocking the true potential of our young performers. We celebrate and embrace the beautiful tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that our members bring to the stage. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment goes beyond mere words; it is woven into the very fabric of our organization's ethos.
We strive to create a safe and nurturing space where every young artist feels valued, respected, and empowered to shine. By cultivating an environment that encourages open dialogue and active listening, we promote understanding and acceptance among our youth, helping them forge lifelong friendships that transcend social barriers.
Diversity fuels creativity and fuels our performances with an electrifying energy that captivates audiences from all walks of life. By embracing the unique experiences of each member, we create innovative productions that reflect the rich tapestry of the world we live in.
Through our diverse repertoire, we aim to provide our young performers with opportunities to explore a wide array of cultures and artistic styles. This exposure not only enriches their performance skills but also nurtures a profound appreciation for the beauty of diversity.
As an organization, we are committed to fostering an environment that actively seeks out underrepresented voices and provides equal opportunities for all. We continually strive to break down barriers that hinder access to the performing arts, ensuring that our stage is a platform for all young talents to flourish, regardless of their background.
In a world that is constantly evolving, we recognize that diversity is not a destination but an ongoing journey. We pledge to listen, learn, and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our diverse community, allowing us to continue fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, empathy, and creativity that transforms the lives of our young performers. Together, we celebrate our differences and harness the strength of diversity to create an extraordinary tapestry of art that transcends boundaries and unites hearts.
Diversity Statement