Our Programs

“We discovered our strengths and abilities that we did not recognize before. We are now able to express our feelings and thoughts through illustration and colors.”

- Asma, age 16, student from Jordan

Murals & Sculpture

Mural projects begin with group discussions and sketching sessions, leading to the creation of a collective design. Then the painting begins! Each art-making session explores issues relevant to the participants’ lives. The final mural features dozens of small, personal works of art within the context of one large, cohesive mural. Select projects also include the creation of interactive musical sculptures made from recycled materials, known as the Foundstrument Soundstrument project.

Performance

Theater and dance projects begin with workshops focused on developing a story, choreography and theme, all of which reflect the lives of the participants. The group rehearses and improves their piece until the final day, when they perform it publicly to their families, friends and community. Workshops explore storytelling fundamentals, character development, and expression through movement.

Virtual Bridges

Through our tech-based creative projects, participants have the opportunity to learn basic animation skills, explore digital creative platforms and collaborate with their peers across the world. Workshops include:

  • Create stop motion animated films using clay characters

  • Fundamentals of digital art and design

  • Meet with youth in other countries and make art together

Skill Building & Entrepreneurship

Participants from marginalized communities learn new creative skills, including a variety of craft-making (ceramics, jewelry, artisanal chocolate, apparel design) and tech-based platforms (PhotoShop, AR, VR). They learn to earn a living with these skills through marketing their work and starting their own small businesses. Create stop motion animated films using clay characters.

“

This program supported us on so many levels, like how to think about alternative solutions to overcome struggles.

”

- Participant from Women’s Empowerment Program in Jordan

Video Spotlight

Joel Bergner: Community Mural
in Harlem

Artolution’s co-founder Joel Bergner tells us how a mural comes to be.

This ground mural was created with community members, including youth from the Harlem Children's Zone and the St. Nicholas Public Housing, where the mural was painted. Joel Bergner worked with artists Lizbeth Martinez, Angela Zirbes and Yolande Dukens. Project organized by Deymis Baquero.

Partners: Artolution, Center for Court Innovation, Neighborhood Safety Initiative, Mayor's Action Plan , Neighborhood STAT, Harlem Children's Zone.

Video created by Shaunice Crawford