, a vital 501 (c) (3) charitable nonprofit organization, announced today that Amy Malkemes will be joining the foundation as the Vice President of Philanthropy. The BAAF raises critical funds for Boston's only public high school for the visual and performing arts. In her role, Malkemes will oversee donor relations and drive philanthropic revenue while promoting the BAAF's mission and the success of Boston Arts Academy students. 

"I firmly believe that access to a quality education is a true game-changer in one's life," said Malkemes. "I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the transformational impact of a Boston Arts Academy education, as my niece Cady Malkemes graduated as salutatorian of her class in 2021," she said. "Having this professional opportunity to join the Boston Arts Academy Foundation as their new Vice President of Philanthropy is truly an honor. I look forward to raising the necessary funds to provide Boston's best and brightest youth with access to a high-quality arts-intensive education," she said.

"As a proud alum of Boston Arts Academy, I am thrilled for my aunt to join the team that made my education at the school possible," said Cady Malkemes. "The free fine arts education and creative academic space I had access to at the school profoundly influenced me into the person I am today. I am deeply honored to know that my aunt will now work to provide this unique access possible for future students!" 

Amy Malkemes comes to the Boston Arts Academy Foundation with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, including Director of Development roles at the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, and Lena Park Community Development Corporation. Most recently, she served as the Director of Advancement at Cathedral High School in the South End; Amy provided leadership to a team of development professionals, raising $2.8 million annually. During her time at Cathedral, she provided vital support and oversight to Cathedral's successful $60 million Cathedral Now, Cathedral Forever campaign, ensuring that the school will remain open for the next 100 years.

“I am incredibly excited for Amy to join our team,” said Denella Clark, President and CEO of the Boston Arts Academy Foundation. “I am confident her extensive experience with diverse organizations and proven track record for successful fundraising will help us reach our goals to create the best opportunities for our deserving students at the Boston Arts Academy,” Clark said.

Amy is a Massachusetts native of Raynham and currently resides in Saugus. She received her bachelor's degree at Gordon College, majoring in Social Work, and two master's degrees from Bryn Mawr College, including a Master's in Law and Social Policy and a Master's in Social Service. When Amy is not raising funds for Boston's youth, she is an active member of Calvary Christian Church and Good Hope Inc. in Lynnfield, MA. In her spare time, she enjoys watching both the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots, and in the summer, you may see her out with her husband on their Harley Davidson.

About the Boston Arts Academy Foundation: 

The Boston Arts Academy Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 1999 with a crucial mission. It exists to bridge the gap between the Boston Arts Academy's allocation from Boston Public Schools and the true cost of a high-quality, arts-intensive, and college preparatory education. Each year, the foundation relies on the support of foundations, corporations, and individual donors to ensure the school can continue to offer a comprehensive arts and academic education. Your support is instrumental in shaping the future of Boston's young artists and performers.

Photo Credit: Kathryn Brodie

 Boston Arts Academy Foundation Announces New Vice President of Philanthropy  

Boston Arts Academy students received a rare lesson Wednesday afternoon — led by renowned rapper 

. Lupe Fiasco, the stage name for Chicago-native Wasalu Jaco, led nine students through a detailed Masterclass on the power of didactic, instructional lyrics. 

’s article about Fiasco’s lesson on the context, construction, and content of lyrics, he reportedly told the class:

“When I went from being an artist straight out of high school, I was still learning how to construct and compose, still trying to figure out what I wanted to say. And then I started to learn that what I wanted to say was dictated by what I needed it to do and not the other way around.”

Fiasco will be teaching a semester-long course at MIT, beginning this week, as one of the MLK Visiting Professors and Scholars Program for the 2022-23 academic year. About Fiasco and the MLK program at MIT, 

, MIT’s Institute Community and Equity Officer, said, “MIT is so fortunate to have this group of remarkable individuals join us. They bring a range and depth of knowledge to share with our students and faculty, and we look forward to working with them to build a stronger sense of community across the Institute.” 

John Dozier also serves as Co-Chair of the BAAF 2023 Champion’s Committee, alongside his wife Victoria, who also participates on the BAAF Advisory Council. 

The Champion’s Committee, led by the Doziers, aims to raise $150,000 for the 

. Following this event, all guests are invited to attend the All-Star Student Production of 

 John Dozier joined MIT in 2020 as its new Institute Community and Equity Officer (ICEO). He previously served as Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Provost for Inclusion at the University of South Carolina. Victoria Dozier has over 30 years of experience in both business management and engineering. We look forward to their leadership of the Champion Reception event!

 for caring about BAA's artists, scholars, and global citizens and for supporting their futures. We are so excited to continue our collaboration with you!

to help us reach our goal and ensure a successful event. 

Learn more about the 2023 Champion Reception

Grammy Award Winner Lupe Fiasco teaches a class at Boston Arts Academy!

Questions or interested in learning more about Sponsorships?

Early Bird tickets for $75 on sale now. Prices go up March 15! 

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR HOMECOMING TICKETS TODAY!

BAA Alumni Homecoming is going  BAAck to the 90s!

As we wrap up 2022, I want to share my deepest appreciation and gratitude for you, and to wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.

The end of the year invites a time of reflection. 

 for Boston Arts Academy, as the students finally moved into their new school building during BAA’s 25th Anniversary year. We also were able to provide impactful opportunities with the support from friends like you, such as Ruth Carter's master class, a visit to NBC’s studio and Dr. Boger’s underwater photography exhibit, summer camp at performing arts training center Stagedoor Manor, and much more.

BAA Foundation must continue to raise funds to cover the cost of arts resources, faculty, programming and more, including social-emotional and academic support services. With $260,000 to go to meet our year-end goal, 

we need your continued support to do our most important work in supporting our city’s next generation of artists, scholars, and global citizens.

You can make a direct impact by extending a hand and opening your wallet:

Take it from BAA Senior and Dance Major, Ariya Patel, on how your dollars make an impact: 

“I love to dance because I’m shy, and dance is a way to show people who I am, how creative I can be. I feel free when I dance. It is the only time I can be myself. 

BAA has shown me what I’m capable of, and how I can express myself

This is your chance to help other students like Ariya. We invite you to give securely online at our 

, or write a check payable to Boston Arts Academy Foundation mailed to: Boston Arts Academy Foundation, 126 Brookline Ave, 3rd Floor, Boston MA 02215.

The future is bright, but not without support from friends like you

 in ensuring the school’s financial sustainability and resources for the students to help them achieve their full potential.

Year-end Reflection: there's more work to be done to help make BAA's future bright

On December 21, 2022, our media partner, NBC, welcomed a group of Boston Arts Academy vocalist majors to its studio. Here, they watched 

 live from behind-the-scenes on the stage and in the control room, recorded a rendition of a holiday classic "Joy To The World," and toured the studio. The students met with BAA Foundation Board member and VP of Programming, Maggie Baxter; 

's On-Air Host, Anna Rossi; and BAA Honors 2022 TV + Film Honoree and Emmy-Award Winning Anchor, Latoyia Edwards. Latoyia cheered on BAA's students during an impromptu performance in the newsroom, announcing, "You are all stars!" 

Thank you, Maggie and NBC, for all you do to create opportunity for our students. 

Creating Opportunity:  Watch An On-Air Holiday Performance!

As she twirled in one of Boston Arts Academy's four new dance studios, BAA senior, Ariya Patel, showed and shared how she can finally be herself at BAA: "I feel free when I dance. It is the only time I can be myself." 

(video courtesy of our media partner NBC 10 Boston).

Give the gift of opportunity by December 31 to help us provide this experience to more students like Ariya. 

Gifts allow us to fund masterclasses with visiting artists, pointe shoes and costumes, winter performances, and more.

News

Boston Arts Academy Foundation Announces New Vice President of Philanthropy

Grammy Award Winner Lupe Fiasco teaches a class at Boston Arts Academy!

BAA Alumni Homecoming is going BAAck to the 90s!

Year-end Reflection: there's more work to be done to help make BAA's future bright

Creating Opportunity: Watch An On-Air Holiday Performance!

Creating Opportunity for More Students like Ariya

Talent is evenly distributed in society, but not opportunity. Help us change that reality in Boston.

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