SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — The Arts Project Syracuse, or TAPS, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings performing arts education to underserved kids in the Syracuse area. TAPS was founded by brothers Hughie and Avery Stone Fish, who are natives of the area, as well as Keely Scarlata. Hughie Stone Fish grew up in Dewitt, taking advantage of opportunities in the arts.
This all started with a song called “Welcome to Syracuse” that Stone Fish wrote with his brother and uncle. They invited the city of Syracuse to take part in the musical event. They included step dancers, Irish fiddlers, and Syracuse residents from Congo singing in their native tongue. “It was all about celebrating diversity, celebrating the things that make Syracuse what it is and building bridges through communities,” Stone Fish said.
He says the song sparked a will to create “tangible change” in Syracuse. After looking at the poverty rates in the city, along with his co-founders, he realized that arts programs were often left out of the conversation. He said it was important for them to do something different from others, something no one was doing, so that they could make the city a better place. Stone Fish was supported when he was growing up and he wants to offer that support through TAPS.
After moving from C-N-Y, Stone Fish’s career has taken off. He is a member of popular comedy band Lewberger that were finalists on NBC’s Bring the Funny as well as contestants on America’s Got Talent. He is an Emmy-award winning songwriter and Emmy-nominated writer. Stone Fish wanted to take his experience and give back to his community. He said that it’s harder to raise money than he thought it would be, and is glad that he’s able to use his platform to help.
“One of the things that’s great about the success that I’ve had with Lewberger, with winning the Emmy, with other projects that I’ve done is that it helps to legitimize the work we’re doing in Syracuse.” Stone Fish said. “It makes it much easier to pick up the phone and call an arts organization and say ‘Hey, I’m Hughie, these are some of my credentials we’re bringing art to kids in Syracuse’ and have them respond to the call or get on our side and try to help.”
He’s grateful for the support the community has given him. He said he hopes to continue to build partnerships, with Domino’s donating pizzas and Syracuse University students volunteering in the past.
“I think sometimes people think that it’s so overwhelming when a problem is so big as some of the problems are in Syracuse it’s so overwhelming to even think about getting involved.” Stone Fish said. “Everything that we do helps and taking the first step is the most important part.”
Stone Fish will be releasing a solo album later this year and will be back in Syracuse for an album release show. He’s excited to see the community, work with the kids, and continue his work with TAPS.
To learn more about The Arts Project Syracuse and how you can help, go to theartsprojectsyracuse.com.
