About
BAAY’S MISSION IS TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF CHILDREN THROUGH THE EXPLORATION OF THE ARTS
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 over 1500 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 provide over $40,000 per year in financial aid 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 (see here). You can join in this work – give a gift today and help a local child access the arts!
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at BAAY
Here at BAAY, we believe in equity and inclusion for all. We strive to practice anti-racism and anti-oppression in all aspects of our organization, and we realize that this will be an ongoing process that we will continue to address. BAAY is committed to growing and learning from all resources available to us to correct systemic injustices and to ensure that our friends in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as our friends with disabilities and other marginalized and historically excluded groups, are not only represented but also supported as full and vital members of the BAAY community.
Our EDI committee meets monthly. For information about joining or contributing, contact Juliette.