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- EIN 13-3958495
- (212) 974-9092
- 1431 Broadway 7th Fl New York NY 10018 USA
- http://freeartsnyc.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts Education, Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Crime & Law
Mission: Free Arts NYC programs inspire children to re-imagine their worlds and transform their lives through the creative arts. With the help of dedicated and caring volunteer mentors, Free Arts NYC delivers creative arts programs directly to low income, homeless, abused and neglected children. We partner with group homes, shelters, schools and community centers to give children the opportunity to express themselves in a supportive environment in order to develop communication and trust. Our programs and the relationships they foster help children and families experience new levels of hope and creativity.
Results: Since its inception in 1998 Free Arts has provided programming to more than 24,000 children in need.
Programs: Arts mentoring programa child's participation in arts mentoring leads to increased self-confidence, positive attitude and their capacity to creatively problem-solve, thus helping them to weather both difficult present and future circumstances. The arts mentoring program engages children ages 6-13 in art activities and mentorship throughout the year. At social service sites across new york city, groups of children are led through different art projects by program facilitators and volunteer mentors. In 2014, 4,145 volunteer hours were donated ($95,625 value) and youth reported increases in all measured protective factors (life skills proven to help buffer exposure to risk).
parent & children together with artthe parents and children together with art program strengthens at-risk families. The program offers interactive, creative arts projects that promote positive family engagement, compromise and teamwork attributes of resilient families that decrease risk of child maltreatment. Supporting parents who might otherwise be uncomfortable in traditional classes or therapy, pact offers a safe and fun way for the entire family (child + parents or guardians) to learn best practices in communication and collaboration. In 2014, pact volunteers offered 969 hours to families ($22,355 value).
free arts days and summer campthroughout the year, free arts days (saturday art festivals) and summer camps expose approximately 1,300 at-risk youth to enriching cultural activities. In addition to other creative outlets, children create paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other artworks that encourage individual expression. Youth celebrate their success through performances and art exhibitions. Throughout programs, children are paired with volunteer 'buddies' who help build their creativity and confidence. In 2014, 11,564 hours of volunteer time were contributed ($266,781 value).