Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year-giving. Giving Bluesday is Anthropos Arts' uniquely Austin twist on on this national day of giving. This year's event, a socially-distanced experience at Austin's Blue Starlite Drive-In, is accompanied by a month-long fundraising campaign which supports our mission to bring high-quality music education to low-income students. 2020 has been an unprecedented year for everyone, including our AnthroKids. They need us now more than ever as they face the stresses of social isolation and remote learning.

As in-person lessons became unsafe last Feb, Anthropos quickly converted all teachers/students to conduct lessons online.  After troubleshooting some of the device and internet access issues our students were facing, we were able to continue and extend lessons and mentorship throughout the Spring and Summer. In many cases, Anthropos was the only structured academic activity our kids were engaged in from March - August!  

Once it became evident that live performance opportunities and rehearsals were untenable, Anthropos quickly launched a new program component this Fall called 'Voices From Home.'  While gathering for rehearsals and concerts is still unsafe, we are now teaching students the art of recording music at home via SoundTrap.  Students are still receiving lessons and learning Anthropos music , only now they are learning to use the DAW Soundtrap to record their parts (each student has a free account through Anthropos).  All parts are being compiled and mixed into final , professional sounding recordings..  The first song AND music video (all shot by students) will be debuted on the big screen at our Dec 8th Giving Bluesday event!

This Spring will mark our 24th year of service to Austin's low-income students and families.  We have always lived by the rule that, no matter WHAT happens, we will do the absolute MOST we can to help as MANY kids and families and possible, with WHATEVER we have.  With so many organizations and families in financial duress, please help Anthropos Arts to continue helping the kids who need it the most.    Thanks all!

-dylan jones-

Why should you donate to Anthropos Arts?

• 100% of our students are low-income and have little or no access to live music, no exposure to significant music genres, and no opportunity to receive high-quality, individualized music instruction
• Through our programs students improve their grades, gain confidence, and become leaders in their school music programs
• 100% of our senior students graduate from high school
• Most graduates go on to college on full scholarship
• Our music selections are intentionally diverse to foster an appreciation for other cultures—Latin, Indian, Arabic, Romanian Gypsy, and other genres from all across the globe
• In addition to an annual showcase of their work, our students perform at iconic music events and venues in Austin including ACL, SXSW, Stubb’s, Antone's, Austin Music Hall, and others