The next step toward equitable arts education for all

We have exciting news to share! Last night, the Board of Memphis Shelby County Schools accepted New Ballet Ensemble & School’s offer to purchase Humes Middle School with plans to launch a new nonprofit, the Memphis Middle and High School for the Arts and Technology. The Board’s decision enables us to proceed with the next phase of our process, which will involve several months of due diligence and ongoing collaboration with our financing partners and dedicated supporters.

New Ballet programs will continue as normal. We are committed to providing high-quality dance education through our studio classes in Cooper-Young and in-school Pathways residencies, alongside our academic support and mentoring opportunities. Our mission, programming, and location will stay the same. As part of the New Ballet family, we’re excited for you to be at our side as we create expanded opportunities for access to higher education and a career in the arts.

Temporarily operating under the name “MEMArts,” this school has been inspired by research conducted nationwide, feedback from New Ballet students, input from parents, and our most ardent supporters and community advocates. By combining high-quality academics and professional arts and technology instruction, it represents a significant step toward our vision of ensuring that creative children in Memphis and Shelby County have the opportunity to reach their full potential. When “MEMArts” opens its doors, young people across the Mid-South will have access to a state-of-the-art center for learning and creative expression unlike anything else in the state of Tennessee.  

We are grateful to the MSCS board for this opportunity, and grateful to you for supporting New Ballet and helping us shape the future of arts education in Memphis.

With questions about "MEMArts" or to learn more about our plan, please email Shelby at [email protected]. 

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Matthew Best
Executive Director, New Ballet Ensemble & School

Katie Smythe
Chief Strategy Officer & Artistic Advisor, New Ballet Ensemble & School