From 2018-2020, New Urban Arts Deputy Director Emily Ustach was a National Institute on Out of School Time Fellow. During her fellowship, she conducted research on a core practice of New Urban Arts, which we describe as “Flexibility and Fidelity.” Her research was published in the Summer 2020 edition of the Afterschool Matters Journal, which was, incidentally, the 40th anniversary edition.
“New Urban Arts is different … because it’s structured in a way that allows for choice. The loose structure really allows for an environment that adapts to the needs of youth, rather than make them adapt to the space. And having artist mentors serve as beacons of activities that students can choose to interact with is also core. In all, New Urban Arts is an ideal example of how to structure fluidity.”