About BSSAEF

The Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund … enhancing cultural opportunities for all students in the Bay Shore School District

In January, 1995, longtime Bay Shore residents Lillian and Maurice Barbash invited 700 Bay Shore High School students to accompany them to a Broadway theater to see the compelling two-woman play “Having Our Say.” The reaction of the students, teachers and parents was extraordinary. Inspired by the success of this single theatrical experience, the Barbashes joined with a group of committed community residents to found the
Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund (BSSAEF).

Since its founding in June of 1997, the BSSAEF has pursued a single mission: to enhance direct participation in the arts for all Bay Shore students. Each year BSSAEF underwrites programs including the annual Knighthorse Theater Company Shakespeare Residency, poetry workshops, music residencies, trips to Broadway, off Broadway, the Metropolitan Museum and the Guggenheim Museum. The BSSAEF also co-sponsors the incredible
Bay Shore Dances which showcases the talents of hundreds of students grades 2-12.

To finance these cultural programs, the BSSAEF seeks funding from a variety of sources including private donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants. Mindful that not all families in the school district have ready access to the arts, the BSSAEF works hard to ensure that in Bay Shore the arts are for everyone.

For more information on the BSSAEF and its programs please contact Board chairperson Susan Barbash at sbarbash@optonline.net; 631-669-3236.

Newsday: To Broadway for Free / Barbash treats Bay Shore High (November 17, 1995) read full article: BSSAEF, Having Our Say Newsday articles >>