PLACEMAKING THEME #4
elevate youth
Bring young people into leadership circles, value their voices, and equip them with the tools and resources they need to fulfill their visions. That’s where passive participation becomes active engagement and produces the creative entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Inviting the entire spectrum of age demographics into the process will strengthen the results.
Catalysts for success
OPEN DOORS AND ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO ART-RELATED PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES.
Art and culture opportunities must be accessible to youth, and accommodating to their unique schedules, transportation needs, and other obligations.
Inspiration Spotlight: Des Moines’ After School Arts Program has musicians, artists, culinary experts, and teachers lead classes for children, creating more jobs for creatives and mentoring underserved youth.
CONNECT THE CREATIVITY OF YOUNG THINKERS TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
Harness the power of this motivated and ambitious group via paid apprenticeships, internships, and summer jobs. Pair teens with experienced makers, and they will produce amazing things. This integration can spur momentum for youth development and social impact.
Inspiration Spotlight: Artists for Humanity (AFH) provides under-resourced teens the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in art and design.
OFFER TRAUMA-INFORMED ART THERAPY OPPORTUNITIES TO ADDRESS UNDERLYING ISSUES THAT MAY HINDER AN INDIVIDUAL’S CREATIVE POTENTIAL AND WELLBEING.
Healing from wounds related to past trauma, natural disaster, the COVID pandemic, and systemic issues is paramount in moving forward.
Inspiration Spotlight: The Art + Life Long Learning and Arts and Youth Development & Education fact sheets offer excellent statistics, case studies, and links to literature on how the arts make every phase of life better and more fulfilling.
