Young Audiences of Western New York Appoints Executive Director

To inspire, expand learning, and strengthen the community through engagement with the arts

YOUNG AUDIENCES OF WESTERN NEW YORK

APPOINTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After an extensive search led by the Young Audiences of Western New York Board of Directors, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Amelia Schrader as the organization's Executive Director. She will officially begin her new role on December 1, 2020. Young Audiences of Western New York, an independent affiliate of the Young Audiences National Network, is devoted to enriching the lives and education of Western New York's youth through educational and culturally diverse arts programs. During this time of transition, we have remained passionately committed to ensuring that every child has access to participate in our programming and be immersed in opportunities to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts.

Amelia brings a strong arts and educational background and has a core understanding of the organization’s mission and vision. In considering her role in this critical time for the organization, she offered the following thoughts:

“I am so excited to be joining the team at Young Audiences. My vision for the organization is for schools, community centers, cultural organizations, and families to recognize Young Audiences as the authority on arts education in Western New York and as a resource to enrich the lives of youth through various artistic platforms. This small but mighty organization does incredible work in the community and I want to make sure this is well known. The programs offered through the vast network of Teaching Artists have innumerable positive impacts on participants. Arts education fosters critical thinking skills, cognitive abilities, and social emotional development. Involvement in the arts can provide a healthy outlet to express feelings, engage in gross motor activities, and increase communication skills. These elements are vital for strong mental, emotional, and physical health. Now more than ever, it is critical to increase access and awareness to these arts education programs to continue to grow as an organization and influence youth and families in our community.”

Prior to joining Young Audiences, Amelia managed and cultivated educational programs for five years as the Senior Manager of Learning and Education for Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum. She was formerly the Director of Education at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, and also sat on the Leadership Council for the Young Audiences’ community initiative Arts Partners for Learning.

In her new role as Executive Director, Amelia will lead Young Audiences as it continues its strategic planning process designed to both bring the organization into its next chapter and enhance its offerings. She is uniquely positioned to ensure programmatic excellence as well as strengthen Young Audiences’ advocacy efforts. Amelia will continue to maintain the operational strength of the organization to ensure the highest quality of program delivery with her visionary leadership.

“We are thrilled for Amelia to join us as our Executive Director,” said Young Audiences Board President Arlow Linton. “With Amelia at the helm, Young Audiences is poised to make tremendous strides towards serving a greater population with even more meaningful programs. Her professionalism, collaborative-nature, creativity, and passion for arts education has earned Amelia the esteem of Young Audiences Teaching Artists, staff, board, and stakeholders. The board is excited to work with Amelia as our new Executive Director and is confident that she is the leader Young Audiences needs to meet and exceed the challenges of this time and that Young Audiences will be well positioned under her guidance to thrive in the years to come.”