Events Calendar

About Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy

Founded in 1989, Ifetayo began as a six-week series of free modern dance classes for 50

students living in the Flatbush community. Since that time, Ifetayo has expanded to serve

over 2,000 students annually through six interrelated programs: Arts Education, Cultural Arts Program, Rites of Passage Program, Financial Education Institute/ Individual Development Account, Ifetayo Youth Ensemble and Marcus Garvey Cultural Heritage Program. Ifetayo serves an additional 5,000 youth and families through related programming and public performances. Through interdisciplinary instruction, which includes culturally relevant arts training, personal development, family engagement, and college and career preparation, Ifetayo serves as a pathway to new opportunities for youth

to become self-governing, confident and transformative leaders in their communities.  Ifetayo leverages arts and cultural learning to increase self-awareness, inspire civic engagement, and provide a platform for self and collective expression.

IYE Overview

The Ifetayo Youth Ensemble (IYE), recipient of the 2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards is a professional preparation and touring ensemble recognized for its artistic excellence through the exploration of social justice issues. Founded 28 years ago, IYE consists of 25-30 young people ages 12 to 19, who create and present socially relevant, interdisciplinary performance works. IYE members participate in a three-year programmatic cycle (research and training, devising a work in progress, and production) where they identify a social justice topic that affects youth and create a multidisciplinary performance.  IYE provides members with opportunities to develop as artists through performance and as community advocates through active dialogue with and service to their communities.