ProjectArt (dba), Art Creates US, Inc. (legal)

Our goal is to build the largest art school in the nation without owning a single building. We aim to provide the opportunity for youth in divested neighborhoods to express themselves creatively, overcome social barriers, and foster the development of pro-socialization skills so they can grow as thoughtful, empowered young adults.

At ProjectArt\u0027s core, there are three distinct elements - youth, public libraries, and artists.\n\nYouth: Over 4 million elementary school-aged children in the US do not receive access to arts education\nPublic libraries: There are millions of square feet of underutilized space in public libraries across the US\nArtists: There are thousands of emerging artists who cannot afford a studio space to create their art due to high real-estate rent prices\n\nThe solution: ProjectArt grants emerging artists space in underutilized public libraries where they can create their art, and in return, artists teach art classes to youth who do not generally receive it in their public schools.

ProjectArt collects evidentiary data and depends on a partnership-based model that reflects long-term impact and relationships with the organization\u0027s students and partners. \n\nSo far, the impact has been significant on the lives of students as it touches all aspects of their lives while driving new audiences into libraries. Compared to those who don\u0027t have access to arts education, kids with exposure to the arts:\n\nOn average do 96 points better on the SATs\nAre 3x more likely to earn a Bachelor\u0027s Degree \nAre 5x less likely to drop out of high school\n\nIn addition to introducing libraries in a new way to youth, ProjectArt also boosts confidence and strengthens their sense of community:\n\n89% of students believe their art-making has improved through ProjectArt\n88% of students reported feeling more confident after taking ProjectArt\n91% of students learned more about art and artists through ProjectArt\n72% of students spend more time at the library since joining ProjectArt\n72% of students have checked out books before/after ProjectArt\n73% of students have a parent/guardian who comes to the library during ProjectArt

With a highly effective and scalable model, ProjectArt is now in 8 cities, serving nearly 2,000 students annually. To celebrate its 10 year anniversary in 2021, we look to be in 10 cities.