Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for young people across the country to have access to arts and cultural experiences. The following article is written by the team at Situation Project and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to learn more.

In New York City, opportunity is everywhere. It’s in the towering skyscrapers of Midtown, the tech hubs of Brooklyn, and the stages of Broadway. It’s in classrooms, parks, and boardrooms where ideas spark and futures are forged. But for many students growing up in underserved communities, these opportunities feel distant—like something for someone else, not for them.

Situation Project is changing that. Through immersive experiences in the arts, the nonprofit opens doors for young people to not only see the possibilities around them, but also to believe they belong in those spaces too.

“Our students aren’t just attending performances or visiting museums—they’re stepping into a world of inspiration and opportunity,” says Damian Bazadona, founder of Situation Project. “The arts are a powerful starting point. They teach students to dream bigger, think creatively, and imagine their place in a world they might not have seen themselves in before.”

Since its founding in 2011, Situation Project has impacted over 100,000 students and families, connecting them to the cultural and professional resources of the city. These programs are about more than exposure—they’re about empowerment, helping students envision futures as bright and dynamic as the city itself.

Why Arts Education Matters

For many NYC students, access to the arts—and the broader opportunities they can unlock—isn’t guaranteed. Schools in historically marginalized neighborhoods often face resource gaps that make programs like theatre visits or museum trips rare, if not impossible.

“Our city is rich with opportunity, but it’s not equitably distributed,” Bazadona explains. “We wanted to change that. When students experience the arts, they’re not just entertained—they’re inspired. It’s about sparking something that stays with them long after the curtain falls or the exhibit ends.”

Situation Project’s initiatives immerse students in transformative experiences, from Broadway shows to behind-the-scenes industry tours. These moments help students imagine new paths and recognize the possibilities that exist beyond the boundaries of their neighborhoods.

“These programs do more than just expose students to something new,” says Samara Berger, Executive Director of Situation Project. “They help students see themselves in those spaces, whether it’s as a performer, a designer, a leader—or something else entirely. They start to think, ‘I could do that. I belong here.’”

From Inspiration to Real-World Opportunity

The arts serve as a gateway, but the impact goes far beyond creativity. Situation Project focuses on turning inspiration into opportunity. Students meet professionals in the arts and adjacent industries, gaining insight into the careers and networks that make the city thrive.

“Equity in education isn’t just about textbooks or tests—it’s about access to inspiration,” Bazadona says. “We’re creating moments where students can see what’s possible and start connecting the dots to their own futures.”

Berger highlights the life skills students develop along the way. “Creativity, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving—these are universal skills, and the arts are a phenomenal way to develop them. These experiences aren’t just about the arts; they’re about equipping students for life.”

How You Can Help Open Doors

This holiday season, Situation Project is inviting supporters to help sustain and expand its impact through their annual giving campaign. Every contribution goes directly to providing more students with access to the city’s incredible cultural and professional opportunities, making sure no one is left behind.

“When you donate, you’re investing in a student’s potential,” Berger says. “You’re giving them the chance to see the world differently—and to see themselves differently, too.”

Bazadona adds, “The arts are just the beginning. They’re a powerful catalyst, but what we’re really doing is showing these students that they have a place in any room they walk into. That’s the kind of change that lasts a lifetime.”

Join the Mission This Season

With your support, Situation Project can continue to break down barriers and open doors for more students across the city. Together, we can make opportunity a reality for every young person—one experience at a time.

To learn more or contribute, visit their donation page.

This giving season, let’s show NYC students that the opportunities around them are theirs to seize.

Inspired was created by Situation Project 501(c)3.