Through creative arts workshops, self-examination, and in-depth dialogue, youth participating in Public Exchanges projects are given the opportunity to share their dreams and hopes in community with like-minded youth and trusting adults.

Participating youth’s visions come to life whether as large-scale photographic portraits, oral histories and video stories, or youth-led publications, murals and more.

Through various Public Exchanges projects, particularly the Portrait Project, participants are able to self-determine and declare publicly their visions for their future selves and communities.

The Art Start Portrait Project and Family Portrait Project challenge visitors to examine their own stereotypes.

As our Public Exchanges projects are participant-led, they are a part of every process including designing the display or exhibition of their projects. These are practical transferrable skills that can benefit their future careers.

In addition to the positive impact that these public projects provide for participants, it is equally gratifying for those who witness the projects and see themselves represented and feel motivated by those in the projects. 

Program Benefits

Gallery

Exhibitions

Art can be a powerful starting point for bigger conversations about what communities envision for themselves and what they want others to see and know about them. Art Start Public Exchanges is a public platform for the voices and visions of the Art Start community of youth and families.

Putting it Into Context infographic campaigns

Partnerships are critical to amplifying this platform. Our partners include the public library system, public school districts, arts and media professionals, artists and galleries, design agencies and universities.

Location

Recent Partners

Public Exchanges

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.

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.

Locations

Since 1991, Art Start’s Creative Collectives have facilitated creative arts workshops with thousands of NYC youth experiencing homelessness and navigating the juvenile justice system.

Since 1991, we’ve held arts workshops with young people coping with challenging circumstances such as homelessness and the juvenile justice system.

Creative Collectives

Industry Collaboration Projects

Creative Career Internships

Industry Apprenticeships

Our career development includes structured internships, apprenticeships, career exploration travel to creative capital cities, and industry collaboration projects, all taking a direct, hands on approach to creative career development with Art Start's numerous industry partners.

Previous Program Collaborations

Creative Career Development at Art Start connects youth to specific paid practicum opportunities that include structured internships, apprenticeships, career exploration travel to creative capital cities, and industry collaboration projects, all taking a direct, hands on approach to creative career development with Art Start's numerous industry partners.

Creative Career Development at Art Start connects youth to specific paid practicum opportunities with our various industry partners.

Creative Career Exploration Travel in New York City

Creative Career Development

Emerging Artists 2024

What is the Creative Connections Program?

Creative Connections (CCX) is a free, year-round program in New York City and Milwaukee and includes: 

Milwaukee: Mon and Thurs: 3-7pm, Tues: 12:30-4:30pm 

New York City:  Mon, Tues, and Thurs: 1-6pm   

Young people in Milwaukee and New York City ages 14-24 who have exhibited interest and artistic talent and are seeking access to more resources and opportunities for their self-determined future.

The program takes place primarily in the Art Start Studios in 

 in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee, WI.

Interested young artists are encouraged to complete the interest form linked below and are invited to stop by our studios during weekly open hours to learn more.

to stay up to date on upcoming opportunities or stop by our free, drop-in Open Studio Hours to learn more

316 N Milwaukee St. Suite 280, Milwaukee, WI 53202 

   526 West 26th St. Suite 10A, New York, NY 10001 

Program Sponsors

Recent Program Partners

program offers a continuum of spaces and pathways where teens and young adults can explore, learn, and grow into their own place in the creative arts industries.

programs

Public
Exchanges

What is the Public Exchanges program?

What does the program include?

Program Benefits

Vulnerability in a Safe Space

Self Actualization

Optimism

Inspire change

Installation Learning and Curation

Public Platform

Gallery

exhibitions