About
History
The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) and the YoungArts program were founded in 1981 by the late Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Lines, and his wife, Lin. Mr. Arison, who had been an aspiring pianist in his youth, felt there was a desperate need in the United States for an organization that would encourage and validate young artists.
He also wanted to do something for Miami that would enhance its reputation and place it on the map culturally and perpetually.
“I think that the arts are the soul of our nation,” Mr. Arison said years later, explaining his motivation in establishing YoungArts. “I felt that the arts had almost become an endangered species. I realized, especially with young people, that [YoungArts will] insure the future of our soul.”
Since its founding in 1981, YoungArts has helped to support and nurture the careers of thousands of young artists. “This is beyond anything that Ted and I ever dreamed of,” Lin Arison said, reflecting back on YoungArts’ first 25 years. “It’s amazing. His dreams have definitely come true.”
