Founded in October 1988 by Kathleen Schneider, the Children's Museum of the Arts is one of the oldest children's art museums in the world.The Museum employs an artist-in-residence format whereby teaching artists work directly with children and their families. At CMA, children and families have access to the creative tools that promote self-expression and esteem through the visual and performing arts, honoring the artist in every child through hands-on art programs taught by trained, working artists; through an on-going collection and exhibition of children's art; and through partnerships with diverse community organizations that celebrate life and the arts in New York City.