We're dedicated to leveling the playing field in the arts and creative industries. Our programs broaden access, foster growth, inclusivity, and champion equity by prioritizing 1:1 mentorship. This approach provides support and guidance that opens doors to impactful opportunities for youth in our community.

Our holistic model ensures young people aged 6–23 receive tailored support for artistic and personal growth. Free Arts stands out as a leader in the art education field for seamlessly combining both art and mentoring, alongside extensive social-emotional development support.

Programs

Free Arts Days

Children ages 6-12 are paired with a volunteer for an afternoon of art-making and “mini mentoring,” inspiring them through creativity and 1:1 support.

Creative Lab

Offers 9th–12th graders intimate access to explore diverse career paths and engage in insightful conversations with industry professionals through career visits and workshops at creative companies.

Portfolio Development

7th and 11th graders work 1:1 with mentors who help them build stunning visual arts portfolios, research prospective schools, and navigate the challenges of applying, interviewing, and auditioning for specialized high schools and colleges.

Internships

High school and college-aged students transform their creativity into valuable career paths through paid internships at creative companies, acquiring practical experience, building resumes, expanding social capital, and enhancing career readiness skills.

Scholarships

The Futura for the Future Scholarship Fund annually offers fifty college students $1,000 in unrestricted support to help relieve some of the financial burdens of college.

Art is for Everyone

We provide resources to make our programs equitable. We cover transportation costs, supply students with technology and equipment, provide food, art supplies, and stipends for additional materials.
Why It Matters:

Persons of color represent 68% of NYC’s population but account for only 34% of the creative workforce. The disparity of jobs and opportunities is evident in the creative field, making it an inequitable space.

The benefits of mentorship are boundless: studies demonstrate increased graduation rates, self-esteem, aspirations, and college enrollment.

In NYC, despite its status as the cultural capital of the world, funding gaps create a notable absence of arts exposure for many young people in under-resourced neighborhoods or low-performing schools.

Participants

“Shades of People”, 2022, Markers
“I felt good drawing different faces and shades of color to show how different and unique people really are.”
—Alyssa, 7th Grade

Program participants reflect NYC’s diverse demographics and come from varied backgrounds. Many face additional challenges like homelessness, non-English speaking households, immigrant families, new migrant populations, and being first-generation college students. Youth in our program self-identify as:

48% LatinX
16% multiracial
14% Black/African-American
12% Asian/Pacific Islander
5% Caucasian
1% Other

Community Partners

Free Arts partners with over 30 schools, transitional housing sites, and social services organizations across the five boroughs, to offer free-of-charge programs. Every year, we serve over 1,500 youth and engage 1,500 volunteers, showcasing our impact and commitment to the community.

Joyce, “I Heart NY, 2022”, Mixed media

DSS/Transitional Housing Sites
Acacia Network
Best Western / Sleep Inn Residence
Belt Park Family Residence
Crystal's Place
DOE Shelter services
Gloria’s House
Hospitality House
Ketty's Place
Nelson Family Center
Salvation Army, Springfield Residence
Saratoga Residence
Urban Transitional Family Center
URINYC - Adam's House

Schools & Community Centers
Arts & Letters 305 United
Central Park East II
Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School
Dream Charter School
Graham Windham:
Beacon at PS/MS 123
Manhattanville Cornerstone
Gramercy Arts High School
Grand Street. Settlement:
Rutgers Community Center
Beacon CC
COMPASS at PS 196
Seward Park Community Center
SONYC at 80 Pitt
High School of Art & Design
High School of Fashion Industries
Hunters Point Community
I.S. 126
I Have a Dream Foundation, at PS 7
Inwood Academy for Leadership
Little Sisters of the Assumption
Millenium Art Academy
Mott Hall II
Partnership with Children at PS 194M 
Pelham Lab High Schools
PS 126 MAT
PS 7
TAP Co
University Settlement:
Compass, P.S. 134
Campos Plaza Community Center
OST at PS 63