www.youtube.com/GraffitiZoneStudio
Graffiti Zone is an after-school arts program for underserved youth. Its purpose is to create a safe environment in which kids can connect with themselves and their community through art making and arts promotion. Graffiti Zone aims to make use of art as a powerful tool for change in the West Humboldt Park community of Chicago. Programming will be based on a youth-centered approach in which program participants identify personal goals and have a voice in program structure. Individual goals will be identified within the following program areas: Academics, Artist development, Building Community , Leadership, and Personal growth. Learning in each area will be benchmarked by identifiable measures ranging from creation of a unique piece of art to hosting a community event. Graffiti Zone will take the unique approach of empowering youth to engage the public, express their distinct voice, and earn income from their own artwork by using art making as a tool for self-expression and arts promotion as a tool for empowerment.
Objectives:
• Provide a safe space to be creative
• Provide access to a variety of art mediums and art resources
• Provide opportunities for students and volunteers to show and sell their work
• Guide students through the beginning steps of fundraising and event planning
• Host workshops to learn from and about other artists from diverse backgrounds
• Share resources and collaborate with artists of all ages
• Partner with other organizations and businesses
• Engage the community in the arts
• Provide supports for academic success
• Encourage secondary education and provide supports
• Provide income potential
• Introduction to beginning business and money management skills
• Provide opportunities to learn beginning and advanced computer skills
Rational:
Humboldt Park is plagued by gangs and violence. The hours after school are the most dangerous for kids however, studies like America After 3 show that 14.3 million children in America take care of themselves after school. Graffiti Zone was founded in a direct response to this need. Our name “Graffiti Zone” was chosen to reflect the need for kids in low income areas to have a place that is safe to be creative and share their story. Unfortunately, many public schools have lost major funding for the arts. New programs were started to help improve test scores in math and reading leaving less time for kids to be creative and have opportunities to express themselves in a social environment. Unfortunately, many of our kids are still below average in reading and math and are lacking basic social skills. Graffiti Zone provides our kids with opportunities in the arts after school to help make up for the cuts in our schools and give kids a safe space to be creative.