Dwight E. Lee, Chairman of the Board
B.J. Adler, Executive Director

The mission of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers is to provide guidance and support to the nation’s creative young talent. The Alliance identifies highly accomplished emerging artists and writers through an annual search for excellence—The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards have been an oasis for creative young people since their inception in 1923.

During the 2005-06 program year, we turned the Alliance’s attention to identifying youth with creative potential earlier, and to enriching their creative journey. We accomplished this goal through increased outreach efforts in large urban areas (New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles) and by increasing the technological capacity of the Alliance. We also recognized the impact of the devastating hurricanes that hit our nation’s Gulf Coast in the early Fall of 2005 by curating an exhibition of creative work by youth who were effected directly or who were moved by stories of the impact of the devastation. The Kids Reconstruct with Creativity project demonstrated the power of creative expression to share experience through stories, work through pain, and express hope for the future.

The Alliance is building a “creative community” for our nation’s teenagers, with resources to encourage, connect and empower them. These extraordinary young people want to share the unifying force their creative work exerts on their lives.

"Art has taught me discipline, tolerance, and a strong work ethic. Art has provided me hundreds of opportunities that I never dreamt of. Art has given me the chance to be the first one in my family to go to college."

—Latrice Jackson, Portfolio Gold Award Recipient, 2006

We thank all the organizations and individuals who came together this past year to help the next generation of creative leaders on their creative journey.