Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Adam Levi of The Rye Arts Center.
Your Name: Adam Levi
Name of your organization: The Rye Arts Center
Your role: Executive Director
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission
Levi: Our mission is to inspire life-long enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. We strive to have a positive impact on our local communities by bringing attention to the importance of the arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and by providing meaningful artistic opportunities.
How long have you operated in or around Rye?
Levi: 65 years – founded in 1960
What programming or work is the organization best known for? Levi:
- Educational arts programming
- High-quality gallery exhibits and performances
- An outreach program that has deep impact in and around our local community
Looking forward to 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Levi:
- Increasing RAC public awareness – through programs such as RyesAbove and this year’s inaugural Art for Purchase event – the RAC is an essential part of the cultural fabric of our community, with many of its public arts initiatives having a significant impact.
- Broaden our outreach programs – the RAC has been at the forefront of bringing the arts to everyone. Whether it is bringing the arts to the underserved in Port Chester through the HeadStart arts program, or for senior-aged individuals seeking community and connection in our senior arts immersion programs right here in Rye, the RAC has something for everyone.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Levi: The RAC serves a very diverse population, both on and off-site. Our programs are designed for ages three and up, starting with our pre-K arts immersion program, available five days a week. We offer over 100 classes and workshops each season, covering many different mediums and interests. As mentioned earlier, we also offer grant-funded outreach programming on-site at the RAC, especially for our senior population. Through our marketing efforts, we are able to reach more people with each class.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Levi: Yes.
How can local residents support your organization?
Levi: The best way to get involved is to become a member – that will ensure that you are looped into the RAC community and it also supports our mission to bring the arts to all. Residents are also encouraged to follow us on social media, where we regularly update all on the many activities at the RAC.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Levi: We are lucky to count many supporters of the RAC from our local Rye community, both residents and businesses – too many to mention! We appreciate all of their support and encourage those that do not to consider supporting the RAC – the arts bring many positives to the community.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Levi: I’ve been with the RAC for over 25 years.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Levi: Full time +
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Levi: Consistent (same as last year 🙂
Where did you grow up?
Levi: I grew up in Yonkers, NY – exclusively until I was about 21.
What principles guide you when you have to make a difficult decision?
Levi: Working towards the best possible outcome for all parties involved in any problematic situation.
Can you share a time when failure taught you more than success ever could?
Levi: I fail at something every day – and each failure helps inform a future (possible) success!
What excites you most about the future—for yourself or for the world?
Levi: The world is constantly changing; this is simultaneously frightening and exciting for me. Hopefully, out of chaos will come enlightenment.
Thanks Adam!
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