June 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY–– At a special gala celebration hosted by Bronx Arts Ensemble (BAE) on Thursday evening at the National Arts Club, Council Member Eric Dinowitz presented a check for $51,000 in discretionary funding to support BAE’s free borough-wide concert series and robust arts education programs. The event also included a special NYC Council proclamation presentation honoring Dr. Susan R. Burns, President of the University of Mt. St. Vincent, for her visionary leadership and commitment to education and the arts in the Bronx.
Bronx Arts Ensemble is the only borough-wide performing arts organization in the Bronx dedicated to both community concerts and in-school arts education, reaching thousands of students annually and providing accessible cultural programming for audiences of all ages. These programs include instruction in dance, music, visual arts, and theatre – often serving schools with limited or no formal arts programming.
The evening served as a celebration of the Bronx’s rich cultural life and the power of public investment in the arts to drive equity, education, and fostering community.
“Music and the arts are not optional – they are essential, binding our communities together, inspiring creativity, and uplifting our spirits, said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “It is my honor to support Bronx Arts Ensemble once again with $51,000 in discretionary funding so they can continue their work bringing world-class performances and transformative education to every corner of the Bronx. I’m also thrilled to recognize Dr. Susan R. Burns, an extraordinary leader who has elevated the role of the arts in higher education and has deepened the connection between Mt. St. Vincent and the broader Bronx community.”
“Council Member Dinowitz has been one of our strongest champions,” said Judith Insell, Executive Director of Bronx Arts Ensemble. “His ongoing investment in our programs helps us continue offering exceptional musical experiences that reflect the diversity of our borough, while also nurturing the next generation of musicians and artists through school-based instruction. We are incredibly grateful for his support and vision.”
“I am grateful, not only for this recognition by the Bronx Arts Ensemble, but for the opportunity to be part of a community that so passionately believes in the future of the arts and in the importance of our collective work, said Dr. Susan R. Burns, President of University of Mt. St. Vincent. “This honor symbolizes the strength of the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s partnerships—partnerships that are vital to ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in our beloved Bronx community. The arts teach us—all of us—to see the world differently, to empathize, to express ourselves in new ways, and, most importantly, to connect with each other. As we look to the future, I am excited for the continued work we will do together to expand access to the arts—enriching, educating, and inspiring creativity.”
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