About WR Arts
Founded in 2013 by Lakey Evans Peña, 501 (c)3 WMAAC Residencies, Inc. was born from a desire to provide a creative safe space for Brooklyn's District 14 elementary aged students. This performing arts enrichment program, held in school after 2:20PM has given students Pre- K through 5th Grade a chance to explore their kinesthetic awareness through dance, find their voice through drama & vocal training, as well as encouraged personal confidence & individuality just through shared participation.
2017 saw the start of many new developments: September noted a new chapter in the nonprofit's history with recording artist, songwriter, performer, & long time program manager Nicky Guiland stepping into the role of President, Executive Director. After a full session and a glorious end-of-year performance, a new lease had been signed April 2018 at 573 Metropolitan, returning our General Children's & Pre-Professional dance programing to it's own space, and in August 2018, we gained a new name WR Arts, Inc.
WR Arts HomeBase returns to its SOUTHSIDE roots, moving into 56 Marcy Ave, off Grand St, as of July 2026!
These exciting developments continue to inspire us all. We look to GROW the organization’s mission; Introducing & sharing our love for the performing arts while bridging North Brooklyn's culturally diverse neighborhoods together, building a stronger community through the arts.
WR Arts: We are Dance. We Are Community. We Are Arts!