The Foundation for New American Art (FNAA) is honored to announce that it has received an official Mayoral Citation from Zohran Kwame Mamdani in recognition of its commitment to providing free arts education opportunities for New York City's children and families.
The citation was presented during FNAA's World Cup of Drawing a Soccer Ball, a free interdisciplinary arts program held at the Waterfront Museum on June 28, 2026. The event brought together children, families, artists, and educators to celebrate creativity, mathematics, movement, and the universal language of soccer through hands-on artistic expression.
Praising After-School Workshops & Programs
In the official citation, Mayor Mamdani recognized the Foundation's dedication to expanding educational opportunities for young New Yorkers, particularly those living in low-income communities. The citation notes that FNAA's after-school programs and workshops help young people develop positive personal identities, build strong peer relationships, strengthen artistic skills, and cultivate a sense of responsibility toward their neighborhoods.
The Mayor further praised the Foundation as "a valuable ally" in New York City's mission to ensure that every child has access to outstanding educational opportunities, recognizing the organization's efforts to provide free arts education and help equip the next generation of talented and diverse New Yorkers with the tools they need to thrive.
Founded in 2014, the Foundation for New American Art is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making high-quality arts education accessible to all. Through free programs in visual art, music, theater, dance, and interdisciplinary learning, the Foundation serves children and families throughout New York City, with a special emphasis on historically underserved communities.
"This citation is a meaningful affirmation of the work our teaching artists, volunteers, community partners, and supporters have made possible," said Phoebe Legere, Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for New American Art. "We believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover their creative voice, and we are grateful that the City of New York recognizes the importance of arts education in helping young people succeed."
The World Cup of Drawing a Soccer Ball reflects FNAA's belief that learning flourishes when creativity, science, mathematics, athletics, and culture come together. By encouraging children to explore geometry, motion, design, and artistic expression through the globally beloved sport of soccer, the program demonstrates how the arts can inspire confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
The Foundation for New American Art extends its sincere appreciation to Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the City of New York for this distinguished honor and remains committed to expanding free arts education opportunities for children across the five boroughs.
About the Foundation for New American Art
The Foundation for New American Art is a New York City-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, high-quality arts education to children and families. Through innovative multidisciplinary programs, community partnerships, and professional teaching artists, FNAA empowers young people to develop creativity, confidence, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
