If you ask Tiffany Newton how long she’s been an advocate, she’ll tell you 22 years, but the truth is, she’s been a creative even longer. From drawing on her Nana’s coffee table at age three to standing in rooms where arts education funding gets decided, Tiffany has always found her way to where the work matters most. A Newark native, mother of three, and Arts Ambassador with a concentration in Social Emotional Learning, she joined Arts Ed Newark’s Arts Ambassadors Program because she saw a gap between what the law promises and what children in Newark Public Schools actually receive. This is her story.
Introduce yourself in your own words — what should our readers know about you?
I am Tiffany Newton Arts Ambassador, Education Consultant and Parent Advocate with a concentration in SEL (Social Emotional Learning.) I am a mother to three divine daughters. I was born in Newark (South Ward) in the Weequahic Section. I was educated in Newark, Elizabeth and Hillside. I even attended Howard University. I have been in the advocacy space for 22 years now. It started when my oldest, who is now 26, was in kindergarten. Fast forward to now Advocacy is My Purpose!
Before we talk about the program, how have the arts shown up in your life? Whether as a student, a parent, or just someone living in this city.
As a creative, the arts have always been a priority for me. Drawing, music, singing and dancing gives me life. I can recollect drawing my first masterpiece 3 years old with a sharpie on my Nana’s coffee table much to her chagrin.
Did you grow up with access to arts education? And how has that shaped the way you think about it for your own kids?
I was fortunate enough to attend private school up until the 11th grade. My education experience has shown me the overall difference that having access to the arts disciplines fosters confidence by allowing one to express their individuality. I also see how lack of access can have the opposite effect, stifling a child’s voice and undermining their confidence and self-esteem.
What brought you to the Arts Ed Newark’s, Arts Ambassadors Program, and what were you hoping to get out of it when you first joined?
My experience as a parent of a child educated in Newark Public Schools revealed to me the disparaging difference in private vs public schooling access to the arts. We are aware that NJ law mandates every child in grades k-12 has access to all of the 7 disciplines despite what tier of education that fall under.
When I truly reflected the stark difference from my experience and my children’s experiences something clicked. I knew that at some point I would be here in this space. I just was patient until the ideal moment aligned and here we are.
Was there a moment during the program, a class, a conversation, a realization, that shifted how you see yourself as an advocate?
There was a moment during the program where we made a brief video regarding the Prudential grant and when I saw myself, I was activated with a Divine Purpose.
How has your involvement in this program changed the way you show up in your community, whether at a budget meeting, with a teacher, or at the Board of Education?
The tools I gained during our time together convinced me how vital advocacy from the grass-top level is equally as important as the grassroots stance. At its core, it comes down to funding; the grass-top level is where those funds are allocated. I recognized that being in those spaces is where I could make the most sustainable impact.
What would you say to a Newark parent who’s thinking about advocating for arts education in their child’s school but might not know where to begin?
I would encourage parents to advocate not merely for their own children, but for all children, so that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has consistent access to all arts disciplines. The arts are cathartic, and we can all agree the world needs healing. So why not now? And if not me, who?
