OUR FOCUS
CANVAS #1
THE POWER OF ART
Have you ever walked by a painting, photograph, or sculpture, and it stopped you in your tracks? Have you ever been moved to tears or laughter by a live performance? Art, in all forms, has held power over humans forever. The transformative power of the arts is undeniable. It can heal, spread hope, inspire, and enlighten. Art can connect individuals, communities, and the world. When people and art intersect, a spark of new ideas travels from one human mind to another. Art has the capacity to shape how we view our world and what our purpose should be.
Art 4 Change encourages everyone to harness this power and use their artistic talents to create positive change.
CANVAS #2
SERVICE TO OTHERS
When artists create, their artwork is most often intended to be shared. In this framework, Art 4 Change recognizes the importance of giving and promoting change not just through the creation of art but by rolling up our sleeves and lending a helping hand where it’s needed – amongst the most vulnerable members of our society. We coordinate donations of food, school supplies, and other necessities for low-income families, underserved students, and the homeless community. We encourage our advocates to volunteer and bring positive change through service to others.
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J U S T I C E FOR A L L
CANVAS #3
SOCIAL JUSTICE
“This picture is so important. It's one thing to be told you're capable of great things. It's another to view evidence that you are.” – Sarah Nour, Twitter
How does a casual photograph of a two-year-old gazing up at a portrait become a work of art in itself? Let’s break it down. A young Black child (Parker Curry) sees a beautiful Black woman (First Lady Michelle Obama) in a larger-than-life-size painting created by a talented Black artist (Amy Sherald), as a Black gentleman entrusted to guard the artwork in the National Portrait Gallery quietly observes the scene. It’s simple and striking all at once.
The Black artist community can use art to shape how Black people are portrayed, to foster conversations that need to be had, and to hold up a mirror to our society
Diversity, inclusion, respect, and a deep connection to the errors of our racial past.
BLACK REPRESENTATION IN THE ARTS MATTERS!
CANVAS #4
ARTS IN EDUCATION
We know that state and local funding based on property taxes creates a $23 billion funding gap between the predominately white schools and the predominately black/brown schools, as stated in EdBuild.org’s 2019 report on school funding systems. We also know that ALL children from low-income communities deserve outstanding educational opportunities. We have witnessed first-hand that when these students are exposed to visual and performing arts, they THRIVE.
Art 4 Change programs encourage these young people to dream beyond their current environments. Art helps under-served children develop their communication skills and even can help them heal from trauma. They can learn more effective ways to deal with the stress they have to navigate in their everyday lives.
