By Bryn E. Keeney, Public Relations Coordinator

For over three decades, Crayola’s partnership with ArtsQuest has kindled the creative spirit of thousands of children, paving the way for the next generation of innovators and artists. This long-standing partnership, which began in 1985, underscores Crayola’s deep commitment to fostering creativity in children and supporting the arts. Crayola’s support for ArtsQuest reflects its ongoing mission to inspire creative expression and enhance art education within the community. The company’s involvement has had a lasting impact, and its continued partnership demonstrates a shared vision for nurturing creativity across generations.

“Crayola has been a long-time supporter of ArtsQuest’s arts education programs and at our crafts tents at Musikfest,” explained Lisa Harms, Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education at ArtsQuest. “They have donated generous amounts of art supplies to help us nurture creativity in the budding artists that attend our education programs, classes, camps and events.”

A Shared Mission: Nurturing Creativity in Children

At the heart of Crayola’s mission is helping parents and educators raise “creatively alive children.” With its extensive history of developing products that spark imagination, Crayola has always been about more than just crayons and markers. They understand the power of creative expression and its importance in shaping the lives of young people. For over 120 years, Crayola has been a leader in championing creativity, and its partnership with ArtsQuest is a natural extension of this mission.

The ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, replacing the beloved Banana Factory, will be a state-of-the-art hub for visual and performing arts along with creative educational programming for all ages.  Since 1998, The Banana Factory, had played an integral role in inspiring thousands of children to explore and express themselves through a variety of creative art forms. By continuing to support ArtsQuest and its mission, Crayola is helping ensure that children throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond have access to the tools and opportunities they need to cultivate their creativity.

“We are honored that we could support ArtsQuest for three decades, and we are excited that the ArtsQuest Creative Factory will continue to spark imagination, creativity and innovative thinking for countless individuals across the Lehigh Valley,” said Marta Gabriel, Director of Government & Community Affairs at Crayola.

ArtSmart: A Focus on Creativity as a Life Skill

As part of its broader mission to nurture creativity, Crayola has been a supporter of ArtSmart, a program offering visual arts courses like ceramics, painting, drawing, photography and more. These courses provide students with invaluable opportunities to develop their creative skills, which are critical for success in today’s world.

Research shows that sparking creativity in children enhances curiosity, experimentation and critical thinking – skills vital for problem-solving and success in any field. Crayola believes that all children should have the opportunity to develop these skills, which is why they continue to support ArtSmart and other arts education programs. By nurturing creativity, Crayola aims to equip the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

A Vibrant Future: Crayola’s Evolving Support of the Arts

Over the years, Crayola’s support for the arts in the Lehigh Valley has evolved and expanded, encompassing a wide range of programs and events. As ArtsQuest moves forward with the development of the Creative Factory powered by PPL, Crayola remains a key partner in this exciting new phase.

The ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL promises to be a dynamic addition to Bethlehem’s already thriving arts community. This space will serve as a gathering place for individuals of any age to experience and celebrate a variety of art forms. The facility will also offer opportunities for community members to engage in creative moments, which, according to Crayola, are essential for connecting people and fostering a sense of unity.

Crayola’s involvement will continue to ensure that local students have access to high-quality Crayola products while also engaging employees in volunteer opportunities at ArtsQuest. This commitment reflects the company’s belief in the power of art to connect people and bring them together in meaningful ways.

A Lasting Impact: Building a Stronger Community Through Creativity

Supporting Hands-On Creativity: The Second Floor Classroom

One of Crayola’s most significant contributions to the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign is the development of a second-floor classroom at the Creative Factory. This classroom will serve as a dedicated space where students can engage in hands-on creative projects, using their imagination to explore new ideas and express themselves authentically.

“Crayola decided to support this initiative because it speaks to our core values as a company. We envision students of all ages putting their imagination into action in the second-floor classroom,” explained Gabriel. “We celebrate and encourage creative moments, and it was important for Crayola to support the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign in a way that was authentic to our brand and company.”

As a brand, Crayola defines creativity as “imagination in action,” and the second-floor classroom is designed to bring this concept to life. By providing a space for students to experiment, collaborate and create, this initiative serves as an investment in the next generation of innovators, artists and thinkers, as Crayola believes that creativity is essential to both personal growth and community progress.

Scholarships: Opening Doors for All Students

In addition to the physical spaces where creativity will flourish, Crayola’s support extends to making these opportunities accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. Through contributing to ArtsQuest scholarships, Crayola helps remove financial barriers, ensuring that children and families of all ages have the chance to engage with the arts at ArtsQuest. These scholarships make it possible for a more diverse group of young people to explore their creative potential, strengthening not only the lives of individual students but also the fabric of the community as a whole.

This commitment to inclusivity reflects Crayola’s belief that art and creativity should be accessible to everyone. By providing these scholarships, ArtsQuest ensures that everyone, regardless of economic background, can benefit from the transformative power of the arts, creating a more vibrant, connected community.

Investing in the Future: A Shared Vision for Creativity

Ultimately, Crayola’s involvement in the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign is about more than just creating a new space for art—it’s about investing in the future of our community. Crayola believes that when we work together to foster creativity, we create a more vibrant, thriving community for everyone. By supporting initiatives like the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, Crayola is helping to build a future where imagination, creativity and innovation are at the heart of our collective growth.

“We believe the value of shared creative moments, putting imagination into action, will have a positive impact on our community,” said Gabriel. “It takes all of us working together to create a vibrant, thriving community, and by partnering with ArtsQuest, we can make an impact on people today and create a better future for the next generation.”

In the years to come, Crayola’s support for ArtsQuest and the arts in the Lehigh Valley will continue to help shape the lives of children and families, inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers and artists.