About Non Profit

About Arts Equality: The Non-Profit Corporation

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit

Since 2011, the Arts Equality programs have been working to create opportunities for all young people, whether in affluent or underprivileged areas, to become actively involved in the arts. Exposing students to these exciting and challenging fields foster creativity while igniting an interest in the fine, practical and performing arts.
Current programs include:
The 10 Day Film Challenge
The 10 Day Art Challenge
The 10 Day Theater Challenge

Mission Statement

Two-fold mission:
1. To level the playing field in high school fine, practical, and performing arts by providing a fair and equal arts competition in a free, comprehensive competition in their area of study.
2. To close the achievement gap in the arts professions/industry for female and minority artists. See our Dreams Initiative for more.

Vision Statement

Two-fold vision:
1. To bring free, comprehensive arts competitions to every high school in the USA, affording all students the opportunity to equitably compete in a comprehensive competition in thier area of study.
2. Through our Dreams Initiative, provide sufficient education and training beyond the high school experience for female and minority artists to close professional and industry achievement gaps.

About Arts Equality: The Executive Committee

GARY JOSEPH, CEO / Executive Director: Mr. Joseph has been teaching in NJ since 1993. He has taught English, Journalism, Graphic Design and Video Production. He also has been producing his own independent video productions since 1997.

LAWRENCE MCCLEERY, COO / Technology and Curriculum: Mr. McCleery has been teaching Video Production in NJ since 1996. His students always perform at a high level, winning countless awards at a variety of national competitions. He has been producing his own award-winning video productions since 1982.

DAMISO JOSEY, CFO / Corporate Sponsorships; Dreams Coordinator: Mr. Josey taught Video Production from 2003-2013. He is currently a NJ public school administrator. Prior to beginning his career in teaching, he spent years producing at ESPN and ABC News.

MIKE NICHOLSON, COO / Grants and Acquistions; Dreams Coordinator: Mr. Nicholson taught English and Video Production from 1996 - 2012. He is currently a NJ public school administrator. He has been producing his own independent video productions since 2001.

About Arts Equality: The Board of Directors

Dr. Jessica Ippolito is a National Board Certified teacher. She has been teaching high school English Language Arts and Film Studies in Southern New Jersey since 1995.

Joseph Martino has been in education since 1996. He has served as a teacher of digital art and media. He is currently a public school District Supervisor of Technology in Southern New Jersey.

Ron Cornwall has worked in the television industry since 1998. He has been the producer/director on numerous reality television shows, including Trading Spaces, Millionaire Matchmaker and Long Island Medium.

Brian Lytz works as an assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Interboro High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has been in education since 1998.