What We ARE! (as we begin our 24th consecutive season)

ALL OUT ARTS has been a federally recognized non-profit since the 1980s. It's mission for over 40 years has been expressed in its motto: "Fighting Prejudice Through The Arts." - a motto on our business cards and on our checks! Since 2002 its stewardship of the Fresh Fruit Festival series of programs embodies the ultimate expression of that mission.

All Out Arts has formed a series of cooperative liaisons with organizations having similar social concerns. Groups like Spotlight-On Productions, the Players Company, My True Colors, the Leslie-Lohman Museum, and National Queer Theatre are among those who have shared staff and ideas with us at one time or another. We have in common very fundamental beliefs: that artists have a mission to present a world view of peace, fairness and support for all people regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference. They also share our view that the performing and plastic arts are best suited for presenting these ideas to the public in a non-dogmatic, entertaining way.

Our programs have two branches: 1. We PRESENT entertaining and enlightening productions in a wide variety of modes to reach an audience with a rapidly growing number of entertainment choices. To this end we have expanded our live theatre menu into radio and video offerings as well. 2. We ASSIST not just the artists involved, but the technical support staff which makes these productions possible. To this end we pay stipends in our media programs to both the creative artists and their audio or video professional staff as well. We also create opportunities for Broadway-level artisans to share their knowledge of their craft *and their pathways to success* with entry-level technicians and artists. Such panels are presented both live and on virtual media whenever possible, and totally free.

In all our efforts we insist that those we present understand the importance of both creating for, and working with, artisans of all races, religions, and sexual identities. Our outreach to the Gay and Lesbian communities has attracted the attention of religious and civic leaders who have awarded us and our leadership staff, and we have been continuous recipients of both New York City and/or State financial assistance for nearly two decades. Funding from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council have made possible our promise that no fees are ever demanded from artists for application or entry into our programs, and if admission is charged to events the artists receive a free percentage of the box office.

In 2018 a periodical specializing in arts and politics focused its lens on us, and gave our programs the highest accolade we ever received. Their feature article was titled "Why Time Is Still Ripe for the Fresh Fruit Festival- An Act of Defiance for 16 years and counting." It ended with this:

“That Fresh Fruit is still here, operating on its own terms amidst a volatile political and cultural landscape, demonstrates the kind of hope the festival can provide. ‘Annual’ is its battle cry. It is here, and it will be here next year, as the equal and opposite reaction to whatever political and cultural actions are on the horizon.”
The Clyde Fitch Report – Reporting at the Crossroads of Arts & Politics

ALL OUT ARTS – For 7 consecutive years recipient of the “Gold Seal” for fiscal transparency by the Foundation Center / CANDID