For nearly 50 years the New ARTS Program, Inc. (NAP) has been a source of creativity and inspiration in the visual, performing and literary arts. Founded by James Carroll in 1974, NAP’s primary goal was to provide access to works by world-renowned artists, in a variety of fields, and to works by local artists of the Lehigh Valley and Berks County. Its core program was a two-day artist’s residency. Innovators in the arts were invited to the NAP Kutztown, Pennsylvania studio where they hosted a public forum, exhibition or performance and then engaged in two days of hour-long one-on-one sessions with aspiring local artists. A no-frills sign-up sheet was posted in the lobby allowing unparalleled access to luminaries such as: Phillip Glass, Ursula Von Rydingsvard, Keith Haring, John Cage, Lawrence Weiner, and Richard Serra among others. More than 700 artists participated in the residency program over the years.
In addition to their residencies, NAP has published over seventy limited edition prints, which are the main source of the nonprofit’s funding. James Carroll encouraged his collaborators to experiment with printmaking, often resulting in unique and inventive compositions. NAP editions were created by innovators in the field of music, dance/choreography, architecture and other visual artists.
The New ARTS Program, Inc.’s dedication to supporting artists in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding region is undeniable. Through internships, bi-monthly television programs, publications, exhibitions and an extensive art research library, NAP continues to allow emerging and evolving artists a direct line to established figures in the field.
