The only hope we have is the stories we tell, not bound by what is possible.
Storyteller, poet, musician Micah Bournes
Our Mission
To preserve, promote, and impart the living art of storytelling to develop literacy, strengthen communities, and nurture the human spirit.
What is Storytelling Arts?
Storytelling Arts is a nonprofit community of storytellers and teaching artists who share the ancient art of storytelling with contemporary audiences. From our inception, Storytelling Arts has been an ally for classroom teachers and other adults working with young people, using time-honored tales to develop the listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills of students.
Stories open the door to rich discussions about relevant and often difficult issues facing children and society in general. Through the lens and safe distance of folktales, together we ponder that universal question: How are we to live?
On the cusp of our 25th anniversary, a new question emerges as a response to these extraordinary times: How can storytelling reinforce the living bonds between us?
In 2020, Storytelling Arts expands its role as a gathering place for the multitude of powerful personal stories that are all around us, as we continue to serve schools and community organizations with important educational programs. We invite story friends, allies, collaborators, partners, and supporters to join us in celebrating the living art of storytelling. By listening to and learning from diverse voices, together we build understanding, illuminate new perspectives, and deepen connections with those around us.
Our History
Storytelling Arts was founded in 1996 to build literacy and social emotional development skills to help students succeed in school and the outside world. Over the past 24 years we have also developed important professional development services for school teachers. Storytelling Arts is proud to have served over 30,000 students through powerful storytelling programs and events in schools, homeless shelters, juvenile detention centers, and community organizations in under-resourced communities in Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Morris, Warren and Burlington Counties.
Meet The Board & Staff
View our Financial Reports