Art Start

Last updated on February 13, 2008

The purpose of Art Start is to value and nurture the voices, hearts and minds of under served children and teenagers living in homeless shelters, and help them transform their lives through the creative process. We use a multi-disciplined approach to arts education that is centered on the kids and their interests, and equips them with learning, creating and communicating skills. Art Start instills in our kids the confidence to ask important questions, make independent choices, and pursue meaningful opportunities to share their ideas and dreams. Offered in a nurturing environment, our programs challenge each child to develop his or her inner gifts and acquire tools to succeed in life.

Description:
Art Stat works with children and teens who face the daily uncertainties and instabilities of living in city shelters. The young people collaborate with artist volunteers who donate their time, expertise and guidance to nurture the creativity and talent of our kids. A variety of visual, media, music, and performing arts workshops develop self-expression and raise self-esteem through the process of making art. The kids go on field trips related to their projects and share their work in exhibitions, publications, and performances.

History:
In the Spring of 1991, a handful of artists got together to make art with homeless kids in New York City. Over the next decade and a half, Art Start has become an award-winning, nationally-recognized model for using the arts to save lives and transform communities. Currently in our 17th year of service, we continue to connect with children and teens living in homeless shelters.

Contact people:

Johanna De Los Santos, Executive Director, (212) 966-7807, (email)
Margot Liebman, Program Coordinator, (212) 966-7807, (email)
Rebecca Harvey, General Manager, (212) 966-7807, (email)

Office fax number: (877) 546-0476

Address:

55 Washington Street, Suite 506
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.art-start.org

Directions:

The Art Start Studio is accessible by the F train to York Street and the A/C train to High Street. We operate all workshops out of two homeless shelters in Lower Manhattan, both accessible by multiple trains. Once interviewing for a volunteer position, we can provide you with directions to our shelters.
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: F, A, C,
Walk distance (in minutes): 10

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