It began with a Broadway show. In January 1955, longtime Bay Shore residents Lillian and Maurice Barbash invited 700 Bay Shore High School students to watch the powerful play “Having Our Say.” For many students, it was their first time in a Broadway theater — and the impact was very profound. The reaction from students was extraordinary, showing how the arts educate and inspire many. That day marked the beginning of a legacy– thirty years of Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund (BSSAEF) opening doors to empowering the youth through experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Within the Bay Shore and Brightwaters community, the BSSAEF has created opportunities for decades, ensuring that every child has access to great educational and arts-related resources. This fund plays a major role in easing the gap between state funding and the actual needs of schools, providing resources that foster academic achievement and personal growth.
Background & origins
The beginning of this fund dates back to 1995, when Lillian and Maurice Barbash invited high school students to attend a Broadway play, which sparked a community-driven effort to provide similar experiences. Formally founded in 1997, in Bay Shore, New York, with the primary goal of enhancing educational opportunities for students within the Bay Shore Community School District. Community members recognized the need for additional resources to support programs and initiatives that would benefit local students. This organization has since evolved into a vital resource for promoting arts education across various grade levels. Continuing her parents’ legacy, Susan Barbash, the chair of the BSSAEF, and Bay Shore alumna has worked with community members to find funding for the various programs across all grade levels for over two decades, focusing on providing students with opportunities to engage in cultural arts and extracurricular activities.
“I am a proud graduate of Bay Shore, class of 1972. My parents moved from New York City to Long Island in 1954, and chose Brightwaters because they had heard that the Bay Shore School District had a strong music department,” said Barbash.
Current programs and grants
Approved grants for the 2024–2025 school year include educational missions such as Dance Residencies, the The Metropolitan Museum of Art Trip, American Songbook, and the Jessica Meyer Commission, as well as performances of “Our Town”, “Suffs”, and “Elephant and Piggie”. The Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund underwrites numerous programs aimed at fostering direct participation in arts. For example, the Annual Knighthorse Theater Company is a program that allows students to engage deeply with Shakespearean works, enhancing their understanding of literature and performance. The fund also supports poetry workshops, music residencies, and other creative arts programs that encourage student expression and skill development.
The BSSAEF not only prioritizes student engagement in arts, but also overall experiences. Each year, students are given opportunities to visit significant cultural institutions such as Broadway theaters, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Guggenheim Museum, which can deeply broaden their exposure to various art forms.
Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund also offers scholarships to students pursuing further education in the arts. Over the years, numerous high school seniors who demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment in artistic disciplines like theater, visual arts, music, and dance have recieved scholarships. These scholarships are not only designed to recognize students’ achievements but also to alleviate financial burdens. For instance, in recent years, BSSAEF has provided scholarships ranging from $1000 to $5000 per recipient. The selection process for these scholarships typically involves a review of applicants’ portfolios or performances, letters of recommendations from teachers or mentors, and personal statements.
While the mission of BSSAEF revolves around supporting arts education through scholarships and resources, there are colorful stories that add depth to its record. For example, many scholarship recipients have gone on to achieve significant success in their fields of study – some have even become professional artists or performers while others have taken on roles as educators themselves. Because the BSSEAF often collaborates with local businesses and artists for fundraising events that feature community gatherings, these events not only raise funds for the program but also help create a festive atmosphere where people can feel inspired by each other.
Art access for all
Barbash has recognized a gap in support for students in special education, particularly those in the special inclusion program and has led initiatives aimed at increasing their participation in artistic activities/events. This includes collaborating with artists to work directly with these students, thereby fostering their creative expression and ensuring they receive the same experiences as their peers. Recognizing the needs of special education students, BSSEAF has developed significant programs that ensure these students have equal access to arts education. For instance, projects like “Lemons in Limelight” highlight the contributions of special needs students through exhibitions. On June 23, 2022, many students in the special education program had the opportunity to show off their art pieces in the “Lemons in the Limelight” exhibit. When it comes to funding sources, BSSAEF uses diverse funding sources, including private donations, corporate contributions, and foundation grants. This financial support is important for expanding its programming efforts while ensuring that all families within the district can access the same opportunities regardless of their economic background and income.
Challenges & funding
Community support and funds directly influence the quality of education, resources available, and overall student experiences, but organizing a fund like the Bay Shore Schools Arts Education comes with challenges. It is important to make sure a fund like BSSEAF is inclusive, making sure that every student has the same opportunities.
“Looking forward…our biggest challenge is fundraising to ensure that we can continue to fund high quality programs that serve every grade level,” said Barbash. “We are very grateful that we were just awarded a $7000 General Operating Support grant by New York State. The BSSAEF was one of 20 recipients that were awarded this highly competitive grant.”
The community aspect of the BSSEAF highlights art within the community and emphasizes how collaboration can really impact a student’s learning experience. With the continuous support of the community and school district, BSSEAF has been able to change lives, by providing students with extraordinary experiences.
“We would love to have more students involved on our board. Anyone interested in serving on a student advisory committee should contact Mr.Rotello. We want to hear what students think about the programs we fund. We also would welcome student input on program ideas,” said Barbash.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the BSSEAF can reach out to Michael Rotello, Director of Cultural Arts.
