Arts are often the first thing to get cut from education, community programs and personal lives.

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Guided Gallery Tour_edited_edited_edited

Art is permissible in preschool, retirement, or in museums where it's removed from every day lives.

A drawing of two hands, one blue and one red

Yet, human beings have been making art since our earliest records of human history...

So why is such a fixture in human existence, deemed “non-essential” ?

Empathy

Art illuminates our humanity.

As we’re faced with political and environmental disruptions, art provides the essential breathing room to take ourselves and each other in with the dignity and empathy we all deserve.

We are missing out on a HUGE spectrum of art making possibilities. The arts belong to ALL of us.

Let's take it back!

YES PLEASE!

CONNECTION

Isolation increases as our on-line

lives expand. The arts have an extraordinary power to connect us in ways that go beyond clicks and likes. We can move each other and create lasting connections that build resilience.

MENTAL HEALTH

Creativity can boost mood, lower anxiety and strengthen our minds with meaning and purpose. When we feel we have the power to own our voice, we shine with confidence.

RITUAL

Communities are losing places of gathering that provide comfort and meaning. Art making and appreciation fosters a safe space for creative minds, more inclined to ask open ended questions. These interactions can live like guiding lights to our daily lives.

SELF-CARE & WELLNESS

When faced with burnout, self-generating care can be overwhelming! Creating with support promotes the development of skills & relationships that create wellness overtime and nourish us to our core.

PERSPECTIVE

The arts foster an incredible way to observe our own beliefs and view points. When we share our creative voice, we offer others new ways of seeing the world.

A photograph of an elderly person's hand's being held

EMPATHY

When we understand each other with our hearts, we melt the walls of judgement that hold us back from seeing one another as the heroes we are. Art transcends barriers and builds connection where it's needed most.

A Crash Course in Art Deprivation:

How YOU Got Here

As a child, you felt free to express yourself and tapped into something special. Maybe you were encouraged by a teacher, family member, or felt your magic in the safety of your own space.

A young woman hiding behind a window shade

At some point things changed. Maybe you made a mistake on stage, heard a piercing comment that stuck with you, or your gifts were ignored by the ones closest to you.

A photograph of a woman sitting behind her desk looking with arms crossed looking doubtful

You likely had thoughts like: "this is dumb" or "no one cares." It was easy to justify that you’d never make it as an artist. You focussed on other things that seemed more important.

HILARY KERN