°ëµºÌåÓý has partnered with to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for young people across the country to have access to arts and cultural experiences. The following article is written by the team at and adapted from their online publication Inspired.
On March 16, thousands of runners will take to the streets of New York City for the , pushing past limits, embracing the challenge, and chasing a finish line that represents more than just personal achievement. For those running with , every step fuels creativity, mentorship, and opportunity for young people who might not otherwise have access to the arts.
With the Half Marathon fast approaching, is once again rallying a dedicated team of runners—artists, advocates, and athletes—who are committed to making a difference.
The Power of Arts Mentorship
Since 1997, has worked to bridge the opportunity gap for young people by providing high-quality arts education and one-on-one mentorship. Through creative workshops, professional development programs, and career exploration initiatives, the organization helps youth from underserved communities develop the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.
"Creative interests are a gateway," says Liz Hopfan, Founder and CEO of Free Arts NYC. "Our one-on-one mentorship goes beyond artistic skills to support social-emotional growth. Just like our marathon team builds endurance to succeed, our youth develop resilience to overcome challenges and achieve their goals."
Free Arts NYC’s impact extends far beyond the canvas. Students in the program secure internships, connect with industry professionals, and gain access to resources that help shape their futures—whether in the arts, architecture, design, or other creative fields.
A Long-Standing Partnership with NYRR
Since 2009, Free Arts NYC has been a proud charity partner of the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Half and Full Marathons, with the United Airlines NYC Half—a 13.1-mile race through Brooklyn and Manhattan—serving as a cornerstone of this partnership. As part of this tradition, Free Arts NYC provides its runners with specially designed t-shirts created by renowned artists from its community. In 2025, Team Free Arts NYC will sport designs by Nina Chanel Abney.
This iconic race starts in Brooklyn, takes runners over the Brooklyn Bridge, through Times Square (one of the few times it's closed to traffic), and finishes in Central Park. For Team Free Arts NYC, every mile represents the impact of their mission—providing young people with mentorship and opportunities to express themselves creatively.
"As the founder and CEO, I’ve had the privilege of running the race four times," says Hopfan. "Each experience has highlighted the power of our diverse team—artists, athletes, and advocates—working together for a shared mission. Through collaborations with artists, and our partners at Bluestone Lane and The Athletic Clubs community, we’ve expanded access to arts mentorship and provided young people with invaluable opportunities to grow creatively."
Running with Purpose: The Free Arts NYC Community
Beyond the finish line, this race is about community, resilience, and shared purpose. Runners on Team Free Arts NYC don’t just train together—they fundraise, inspire one another, and build a movement that celebrates the arts.
Andrew Stone, a Free Arts NYC Patron Circle Member and Chief Brand & Culture Officer at Bluestone Lane, has been part of this journey for years. "Community is a binding ingredient for people to come together from all different backgrounds and abilities to celebrate something simple," he shares. Having run over 100 miles across four marathon events for Free Arts NYC, he certainly understands the power of bringing people together.
Art That Moves: A Student’s Perspective
For the young people in Free Arts NYC’s programs, the impact is life-changing. Maimouna M., a student now pursuing architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, credits the program with expanding her vision for the future.
"I grew through company visits; every visit motivated me to push myself and helped me think about what I want to accomplish and how I might seek assistance to advance my career,� says Maimouna. “My mentor helped me see new perspectives in architecture and engineering. Without his help, I wouldn't have understood elevation, planning, or section—and might have given up on drawing what I love."
Her artwork, "The Evolution�, is a testament to the power of artistic expression. "While creating this, I learned that art is therapy, it listens to all of your struggles and challenges, and retells your story in the most beautiful way."
Join the Movement
With just weeks to go before the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, there’s still time to support Team Free Arts NYC. Whether by donating, cheering on the runners, or even signing up to race in future events, every contribution fuels arts access and mentorship for young people across the city.
To support Team Free Arts NYC, visit and learn how you can get involved.
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