Through partnerships with numerous city-run and non-profit shelters, ART START conducts creative arts workshops five days a week with homeless youth ages 5-18. From bucket drumming, building a 20- foot Chinese dragon, writing a song, choreographing a dance, painting a self-portrait or playing in a band, ART START recognizes the obstacles keeping these youth from seeking out extracurricular outlets for their creative energy. ART START brings our youth a unique formula that’s fluid and adaptive, yet focused and consistent.

Workshops are led by ART START staff and a team of committed volunteers and focus on building trusting relationships with the youth.  ART START creates a safe and creative space inside the workshops while connecting them to new experiences outside the shelter.