William R. Kenan Jr., a scientist and a businessman, was also drawn to creative pursuits like glee club and photography, both of which led him to develop an appreciation of the arts as a valuable component of an education. We honor Mr. Kenan’s appreciation for arts education by supporting experiences that offer sustained exposure to arts or arts programs for K–12 students, as well as programs in higher education that create access to the study of the arts or a bridge to career for newly graduating artists.
K-12 Arts Education
Arts education for K–12 students offers a significant opportunity to close the achievement gap for all students. Consistent exposure to the arts can lead to better academic outcomes for students while also promoting social and emotional growth. We fund projects that provide sustained arts exposure and programming to K–12 students, especially those who would not otherwise have access to arts education.
Arts in Higher Education
Students pursuing the arts in higher education may have a variety of goals for their study, ranging from preparation for a career in the arts to simply studying the arts for enjoyment or out of curiosity. The Kenan Trust supports projects that provide access to the study of the arts in higher education settings as well as support for recent graduates seeking to launch a career in the arts.
