projectart DETROIT

Mission:

ProjectArt empowers youth, artists, and communities by providing visual arts classes and artist residencies in public libraries. ProjectArt engages professional, local artists in a nine-month program that combines a career building arts residency with teaching opportunities that make a positive impact on the community. This juried, diverse group of artists is placed in public libraries for a year-long residency where they teach visual arts education to youth ages 4-18 and create socially engaged art. Instruction is provided in illustration, painting, inking techniques, digital art, animation, collage, and more. Weekly programs focus on art history; art inspired by our library partners; and curating and presenting exhibitions.

Focus Area:  Arts and Culture

Title:  ProjectArt Detroit – 9 Month Program

Project Description:

For many young people, art is a lifeline. It's a way to express themselves, find their voice, and build confidence. But for kids in low-income, urban neighborhoods, access to art can be limited. That's where ProjectArt comes in. The State of Michigan does not require schools to offer arts education, and the majority of what is offered does not meet the National Art Education Association standards.



Since 2016, ProjectArt Detroit has reached hundreds of students in partnership with the Detroit Public Library through 100% free afterschool arts education programs that boost students' artistic knowledge and skills; improve their social emotional wellbeing; and build critical 21st century skills. Funding from Impact100 Metro Detroit would allow ProjectArt to significantly expand its services in response to multiple requests from the community and the Public Library system. In the next school year, (2025-2026) we would be able to add two new branch sites reaching an additional 120 Detroit youth.