History
Born in L.A, growing beyond
Established in 2020, the Bloom Arts Foundation (BAF) was created to address the systemic absence of both early childhood arts education and effective mental health support in Los Angeles County public elementary schools.
Growing from deep community relationships and the excellent reputation of the Bloom School of Music and Dance (founded in 2008 by BAF Executive Director Laura Porter) BAF's creates engagement opportunities for students in under-resourced communities. Our work is rooted in the belief that music is a strategic tool for holistic growth, sparking joy and belonging while providing a vital non-verbal avenue for emotional regulation.
Driven by the proven impact of music and dance on social, emotional, and cognitive development in young children, BAF's co-founders Laura Porter and Radhika Fliegel created a program that allows elementary students the benefits of this education during their school day.
Beginning with just 8 schools and 2 teachers in 2021, BAF has grown to include over 20 teachers, impacting 45 schools, engaging 28,000 students through its school programs. To ensure these shifts are lasting, we also lead professional development workshops that empower classroom teachers with practical strategies to integrate music into daily routines, fostering well-being and inclusion long after our instructors leave the room.
With partnerships throughout the Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, and Los Angeles Unified School Districts, as well as our international program, Futures in Tune, BAF's contributions to youth arts education
have been transformative - equipping a new generation with the social-emotional skills and confidence they need to thrive.
mission
vision
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Our Mission
Our mission is to provide music and dance education that sparks joy,
creativity, and belonging in PreK-6th grade students in Los Angeles County, and through international partners abroad.
Partnering with schools where arts programs are limited, we ensure every child has the chance to create original work, perform, and grow through artistic expression.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every child, regardless of circumstances, receives quality arts education that strengthens memory, attention,
and problem-solving abilities.
Through early arts education, students are prepared to become innovative problem solvers and creative leaders in any career path they choose, equipped with tools that serve them for life.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laura Porter
Co-Founder &
Executive Director
Radhika Fliegel
Co-Founder &
Chief Operating Officer
Karena Bibbins
Director
David C. Hemann
Director
Harshitha Krishnan
Director
Rosalind Read
Director
Maxwell Wright
Director
STAFF
Eli Slavkin
Director of Global Initiatives
Amanda Millett
Grants Associate
Mae Shamaly
Development Associate
Deborah McCoy
Program Coordinator
Serena Agbeli
Program Manager
Vanessa Palomino
Program Manager
Cosmo Bernstein
Development Intern
OUR VALUES
Community values
We support the fundamental importance of music and dance education, working to ensure these transformative opportunities reach every child.
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Student-focused
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Community Uplifting
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Lasting Impact
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Championing the Arts
We honor the backgrounds and traditions of all communities we serve and measure our success not only by the lessons and skills we teach but by the confidence, creativity, bravery, and perseverance students carry forward in life.
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Organizational values
Our organization connects teaching artists, classroom educators, and students to create vibrant learning communities.
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Creativity & Growth
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Collaboration
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Joyful, Lifelong Learning
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Expanding Opportunites
We focus on schools where students lack access to creative programs, providing training and mentorship to educators to ensure lasting impact. We believe artistic expression lifts the spirit, strengthens the mind, and brings transformative light to every student's education.