programs

What is the program?

Through long-term partnerships with numerous city and nonprofit social service agencies, Art Start’s Creative Collectives take place inside of transitional housing residences (shelters) for families experiencing homelessness, at schools, and at residential detention facilities and alternative sentencing programs for court-involved youth.

Programs are conducted year round, up to five days a week with youth and families, bringing a unique formula of arts programming that’s student-centered, fluid and adaptive, yet focused and consistent.

Benefits

Creative Collectives allow youth the opportunity to grow and develop self-awareness through self-expression, which has been proven to reduce stress and accelerate psychological and physical healing.

Workshops are led by Art Start staff and a team of committed volunteer mentors who focus on building trusting relationships with youth. Art Start believes that each individual has an autonomous and creative spirit which is inherently healing and liberating. We strive to create a safe and creative space where youth voices are centered and have the opportunity for public exchange of their ideas and voices.

Art Start creates a studio space on-site at these locations and offers year-round programming

With an emphasis on frequency and consistency, workshops focus on visual arts, music, dance, theater, performance showcases and cultural field trips.