This Patch article is sponsored by Harlem School of the Arts.

Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) is one of New York City's pioneering arts institutions that prides itself on enriching the lives of young people and their families. The organization provides world-class training in and exposure to the arts across multiple disciplines in an environment that emphasizes rigorous training, stimulates creativity, builds self-confidence and adds a dimension of beauty to the lives of its students.

Patch caught up with Eric Pryor, president of Harlem School of the Arts, to learn more about the "cultural destination that built its reputation as a premier provider of a multidisciplinary and comprehensive arts curriculum."

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Pryor: The Harlem School of the Arts was founded in 1964, 56 years ago, by internationally acclaimed concert soprano Dorothy Maynor. She started in the basement of St. James Presbyterian Church, located in the historic Harlem community, with 20 students, at a time when the community suffered severe physical blight and high levels of poverty.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you're in, and how did you get started?

Pryor: What attracted me to this line of work is my background. I am a fine arts major with degrees from both Temple and Wayne State universities, and I completed the Executive Leadership Program for Nonprofits at Columbia University. I have always understood the importance of the arts as a tool for community building and as a way to empower individuals by unleashing their creativity. Prior to coming to Harlem School of the Arts, I had always been interested in advancing the goals of organizations that provided access to the arts and arts programs. I had served as executive director of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation's Center for Arts and Culture in Brooklyn. I also served as president of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and later as executive director of The Center for Arts Education. I believe that everything prior to my taking the helm as the president of the Harlem School of the Arts was in preparation for this important move.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Pryor: Preparing tomorrow's creative leaders today.

Patch: What's the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you've faced in your job?

Pryor: I think the biggest challenge I have had to face as president of HSA is happening as we speak. The pandemic hit suddenly and without warning. We had to shut the facility down, send our staff and students home, and we had to find a way to stay afloat financially, which meant all of us coming together to create a safe distance learning model that would provide our young people with much-needed ways to continue their training, while also offering a space where they could share their concerns and anxieties, ask questions and have a support network that was caring and understanding. This is a tough time for our young people in particular, our Black and Brown youngsters.

Patch: What's the most satisfying part of your job?

Pryor: The most satisfying part of my job is the privilege it affords me to work with a group of inspiring and creative individuals. Members of our staff and our teaching artists are some of the best in the world, and that is evidenced by the remarkable percentage of graduating high school seniors who receive training at HSA and move on to study at top universities and conservatories, or transition successfully into careers in the arts.

Patch: How would you say your organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Pryor: The Harlem School of the Arts stands uniquely apart from other arts organizations as a cultural destination that built its reputation as a premier provider of a multidisciplinary and comprehensive arts curriculum. Beyond the rigorous arts training, the organization prepares students to transition from its programs into competitive performing arts high schools, top-ranked colleges, universities, conservatories and careers in the arts. The organization developed a series of workshops, mentoring, college and career preparedness programs, including a college fair. The fact that we go the extra distance to ensure the success of our young people is what clearly distinguishes us.

Patch: What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given when it comes to success?

Pryor: The best piece of advice that I have received when it comes to success was the importance of being prepared when opportunity knocked. Also, the importance of hard work, collaboration and cooperation. These nuggets of wisdom have carried me throughout my career.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you're working on that you're extra excited about?

Pryor: We are very excited about the soon-to-be-completed $9.5 million renovation of the 37,000-square-foot facility, thanks to Herb Alpert, his wife, Lani Hall, and Rona Sebastian, president of the Herb Alpert Foundation, who is also an HSA board member. This was the most substantial renovation of the building since its construction 40 years ago. Work is expected to be fully completed early this fall.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Pryor: While this will not be a normal school year, with some schools opening and others remaining shuttered due to the pandemic, the Harlem School of the Arts has made the decision to hold fall classes virtually. Registration is currently open to all students interested in our multidisciplinary curriculum. There are also private lesson classes available in music and the visual arts. There is an ongoing virtual Year-End Student Exhibition, a beautiful demonstration and reflection of their curiosity and a view through their lens of the world around them.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Pryor: To learn more about the Harlem School of the Arts, visit our website and like us on Facebook (@hsanyc), follow us on Twitter (@HSAnyc) and on Instagram (hsanyc), and watch us on YouTube (HarlemSchoolArts).

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Harlem School Of The Arts Is Preparing Tomorrows Leaders Today - Patch.com