Our Impact

Global | Transformative | Empowering

For over 45 years, ISTA has transformed arts education, using theatre, film, and dance to inspire creativity, collaboration, and cultural understanding. Through immersive, ensemble-driven learning, we empower young people, educators, and artists to think critically, connect globally, and make a difference in their communities. Our innovative approach fosters international-mindedness, confidence, and artistic excellence.

2000+

young people attend our events annually

350+

educators trained through professional development

60+

international learning experiences hosted each year

220+

member organisations worldwide

Evidence-Based Impact

Our immersive learning model, backed by research, fosters deep engagement, cultural literacy, and social-emotional growth. By placing students and educators in collaborative, high-impact artistic environments, our approach encourages active participation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

Our 2019 impact study confirmed that the ISTA Ensemble Method enhances agency, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding. It equips participants with the skills to navigate diverse perspectives, communicate effectively, and adapt creatively—helping to shape resilient, globally minded individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.

Read our research report

"ISTA showed me the power of theatre to share unheard stories. It changed how I see the world."

Student, Terezín Festival

“This was the most useful workshop I have been a part of in the IB. I was able to bring back a whole new perspective and approach to how I structure my course that will ultimately benefit my kids.”

IB DP Film Workshop Participant, Toronto

Making a Difference

As a non-profit organisation, ISTA is committed to making arts education accessible, equitable, and transformative. Through partnerships with schools, charities, and cultural institutions around the world, we use the power of ensemble-based learning to inspire creativity, amplify unheard voices, and empower young people to lead change in their communities. From Cambodia to Atlanta to Amman, our work addresses complex global issues through collaborative, high-impact arts experiences.

Below are some spotlight examples of partnerships we've embraced to help address these issues—bringing young people together through the arts to explore identity, resilience, justice, and social change.

Spotlight: Phare Ponleu Selpak, Cambodia

Since 2020, ISTA has collaborated with Phare Ponleu Selpak—a pioneering Cambodian arts school founded by survivors of the Khmer Rouge—through festivals, performances, and ongoing creative exchange. In November 2023, this partnership was brought to life once again at a CONNECT Festival hosted by the International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP).

Students from international schools worked alongside Phare performers and ISTA artists to explore Cambodia’s complex history through ensemble-based learning, storytelling, and theatre-making. The festival featured powerful cultural experiences, including a visit to the Killing Fields and performances by local organisations such as Epic Arts. This enduring collaboration exemplifies ISTA’s belief in the arts as a force for healing, empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding.

Spotlight: Amala Education, Amman

Since 2022, ISTA has partnered with Amala Education—a pioneering organisation providing high-quality secondary education for displaced and crisis-affected youth. Together, we've delivered theatre-based professional development and student festivals in Amman, Jordan, exploring the themes of migration, displacement, and home.

Through this partnership, ISTA hosts three-day ensemble-based advocacy festivals where students from international schools collaborate with Amala learners—young refugees who bring lived experience and powerful perspectives to the creative process. These shared explorations culminate in performances that amplify student voice, build empathy, and foster cross-cultural understanding. This ongoing relationship exemplifies ISTA’s commitment to the arts as a catalyst for dialogue, connection, and social change.

Spotlight: Still I Rise, Nairobi

In March 2025, through the support of the Dinos Global Legacy Fund, ISTA welcomed three students from Still I Rise to participate as Young Creative Leaders at our Nairobi Middle School CONNECT Festival. These students engaged in one-to-one mentoring with ISTA artists and led ensemble work throughout the festival—modeling confidence, creativity, and leadership.

Following the event, ISTA artists visited the Still I Rise school to deliver theatre workshops to over 180 students and provide professional learning for educators working in challenging conditions. This powerful collaboration exemplifies ISTA’s belief in the arts as a force for equity, empowerment, and global connection.

Support ISTA

As a charitable organisation, ISTA is committed to expanding access to high-quality arts education for young people and educators around the world. With your support, we can continue to deliver life-changing creative experiences and open new doors for the next generation of artists and changemakers.

Donate now (not linked)

Through shared stories and collaborative experiences, we inspire change from the inside out. One ensemble, one stage, one voice at a time.