OUR BLOG

This year, our *Community Arts Institute began a brand-new partnership with Community Access Unlimited (CAU)! CAU is an Elizabeth-based nonprofit that provides programming and housing for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Typically, Community Arts brings its classes and services to organizations. Our partnership with CAU, however, is a special one in that we get to host the students here on campus.

There’s never a dull moment on Thursdays at the Institute with our CAU students, a cohort of 15 adults with developmental disabilities. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., students enjoy a morning filled with music and movement, rotating between classes such as music production, piano, acting, and concluding the morning with an energetic dance party and a communal lunch.

I had the privilege of sitting in on some of these classes and experiencing the magic myself. In piano class, led by instructor Anthony Martinez and Youth Leader Isaiah Mullings,students sat at the keyboards to learn the basics of notes and rhythms. Eventually, each student had a chance to take turns playing notes.The most heartwarming part was watching the students encourage each other as they played.

Meanwhile, in the music production class, instructors Gonzalo Silva and Hezekiah Crockett guided students through the creative process of beat making. Students were asked to pick a couple of songs to combine into one and chose an interesting combination: the theme song from Nightmare on Elm Street, Grenade by Bruno Mars, and In My Feelings by Drake. By creating sounds out of their own voices, clapping, stomping, or hitting a music stand, the students learned that you could make music out of anything. Everyone was more than excited to contribute their unique ideas, with one student suggesting adding a yawn sound to the mix. What resulted in the end was a beat so energetic that it got the students dancing in their seats anda few getting up to dance in the middle of the circle. 

“What I like most about CAU is the opportunity to see a different point of view on life while teaching them,” Crockett reflected. “It’s a humbling experience because you can always learn from your students... Each week, they’re growing more confident and comfortable, and it’s an honor to be part of that journey.”

Beyond the usual structured lessons, the most memorable moments often happen in between—during casual interactions, shared laughter, and the final dance party. Students love dancing along to“You Like Magic” by Hez(Crockett), our own staff member.

“Thursdays with our CAU arts program are truly the highlight of my week. As an instructor, I help facilitate workshops in acting, music production, and more. Watching the students’ eyes light up as they create and express themselves is incredibly rewarding. It's a privilege to support their artistic journeys and see how much joy and confidence they gain from the experience.”- Meli DeJesus, Instructor

Wrapping up with a communal lunch, students, instructors, and staff came together to share stories, jokes, and reflections. It’s a moment that underscores the core of this partnership, which is to build an inclusive and supportive creative community where everyone’s voice is valued. Our partnership with CAU has enriched our Institute in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and we look forward to many, many more Thursday's dancing, creating, and learning together.

*The Community Arts Institute (CAI), one of IMC’s core programs, works in partnership with schools, libraries, youth detention centers, and community spaces to provide customized artistic residencies. Our top-notch Teaching Artists bring the arts to these sites, teaching art forms such as music production, acting, spoken word, culinary arts, and more. Residencies can range anywhere from single-day sessions to an entire school year.