Teen Arts NJ is partnering with edWeb.net to launch a free professional learning community on edWeb, Bridging Creativity with Opportunity, to expand the reach of their programs for teens in the literary, performing, and visual arts.

In addition to their award-winning Arts High program and NJ State Teen Arts Festival, Teen Arts NJ is launching a brand-new, student-centered DesignQuest challenge.

DesignQuest will engage young teen artists in solving the challenges society is facing including environmental, sustainability, social-emotional health issues, and more. By fostering the social-emotional and environmentally conscious aspects and empowering learners to become advocates for a more sustainable future, it offers the opportunity to inspire action, spark conversations, and drive positive change in local communities and beyond. DesignQuest guidelines will be released on September 23, 2024.

Teen Arts NJ’s community on edWeb will provide a forum for sharing ideas, resources, and events that support teens in the arts across the widest range of creative endeavors.

Kevin Ciak, Executive Director and CEO of Teen Arts NJ, commented, “We could think of no better partner than edWeb to join us in expanding professional learning for educators and helping us to announce our newest program, DesignQuest.” View Kevin Ciak’s video announcement for the launch.

Lisa Schmucki, founder and CEO of edWeb, commented, “I’m a Jersey girl and founded edWeb.net here in NJ, so I’m thrilled we can partner with Teen Arts NJ to spread the word about their inspirational programs for young artists and creators.”

The community will share information on many upcoming events including the Arts High programs, NJ State Teen Arts Festival, and DesignQuest. Learn more by joining the Bridging Creativity with Opportunity community at www.edweb.net/tanj.

About Teen Arts NJ

Teen Arts NJ, formerly known as the Arts & Education Center, is a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization established in 1969. Their mission is to inspire artistic innovation and creativity by providing high-quality education in the literary, performing, and visual arts.

Recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education for innovative arts programming, the organization founded the Arts High program which provides unparalleled learning opportunities for gifted artistic students by providing instruction from a renowned artist in their genre.

They also sponsor and organize the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival—a three-day celebration of the Teen Arts complete with performances, workshops, and live adjudication of student artistic talent.