Founded in 2006, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization that offers quality instruction in theater, choir, dance, music, and visual arts to youth ages 5-17. The mission of BAAY is to enrich children’s lives through the exploration of the arts.

BAAY serves approximately 1400 children annually in our campus theatre, and in EduArts after-school enrichment classes in elementary schools throughout Whatcom County. Through our programs, we create community, and teach children confidence, character and creativity.

BAAY is committed to serving all children in our community. We believe that the arts are a basic and essential component of all children’s education. As part of our work toward equity, we never turn a child away for financial reasons, and in the last three years we’ve provided an average of over $30,000 a year in annual scholarship assistance to remove barriers to participation. As we grow, we are expanding our EduArts school-based programs to include fully subsidized after-school classes in Bellingham’s Title One schools, bringing the arts into the schools to reach children who need them.

At BAAY, we believe in accessible arts education for all. Every student who auditions for a production will receive a part (see our casting policy in the FAQ here), and we offer financial aid upon request (see here). You can join in this work – give a gift today and help a local child access the arts!