SUPPORT FROM OUR DONORS

Foundation Arison Arts Foundation

The Arison Arts Foundation was established in 1988 by visionary philanthropists, Ted and Marilyn “Lin” Arison. The couple were also co-founders of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, the National YoungArts Foundation, and the New World Symphony. Today, Arison Arts is a private foundation whose focus is on supporting young artists in visual, literary, design, and performing arts, and supporting the institutions that foster and nurture them-- a mission that has proved even more vital as arts funding goes on the chopping block.

In 2012, Sarah Arison, granddaughter of the legendary founders, was appointed President of the foundation. Under her stewardship, the foundation expanded their giving priorities to include aggressive support for emerging artists in underserved communities like the young people served by the Harlem School of the Arts. For almost a decade, the Arison Foundation has been providing essential funding to support the unique work of HSA, beginning with establishing Prep scholarships and eventually transitioning to annual general operating grants. We are especially grateful to The Arison Foundation for their unwavering support through the very challenging times of the pandemic and beyond.

Individual Donor Barbara Tober

When Director of Individual Giving Ted Taylor introduced Barbara Tober to HSA, he knew he was bringing someone very special into the family. Ms. Tober, a lifelong New Yorker, philanthropist, and patron of the arts, was immediately smitten by HSA’s interdisciplinary curriculum and conservatory style training.

A prolific author and editor, Barbara spent over four decades in the corporate advertising and magazine world, so she was particularly drawn to HSA’s Media & Design program. On her tour of HSA, our students shared first-hand the storyboard and character development skills they were learning as a building block in their animation class. Barbara was both impressed by the advanced level of student talent, as well as the professional nature of the pedagogy and curriculum.

Through the Barbara and Donald Tober Foundation, and its support of HSA’s Media & Design program, Barbara has afforded dozens of students an opportunity to explore their talent, commitment, dedication, and passion for the arts.