What “Interdisciplinary Collaboration” Means to Us
We believe work that joins together multiple art forms provides a vast canvas for storytelling and human connection. Art Beyond the Ink envisions a future where the arts are truly intertwined; from an early age, students of music, film, dance, visual arts, and beyond can build a network of collaborators who come together on creative projects to more clearly and fully express their artistic visions.

Furthermore, students of any artistic experience level can incorporate the skills of storytelling into their lives outside of the arts. An understanding of the vocabulary behind musical stories is the same vocabulary needed to express and relate to how one is feeling; deepening engagement with music in this way allows for improved listening skills, as well as enhanced self-expression and the social-emotional development.

Our Storytelling Philosophy
We are guided by the philosophy that every piece of music tells stories. Unlike other languages, instrumental music speaks without words; its meaning can be uniquely defined by each listener. The process of discovering and illustrating these stories is what we call “creative listening.” Whether you hear the memory of a personal experience, the wildest facets of imagination, or a stronger connection to yourself or others, there is always a story that lies just beyond the ink.

Programming
Based in New York, with both in-person and online opportunities, Art Beyond the Ink programs serve beginner students to young professionals, from kindergarten onward, through:

- after school classes in partnership with public schools
- weekly children’s online music, art and storytelling workshops
- a music and arts online summer camp
- guest workshops with music schools
- a collection of musical stories told through short films
- a competition for early-career composers
- a growing database of artists across disciplines
- public events and workshops

Co-Executive Directors: Emmalie Tello and Rebecca Schifilliti