Transforming Kids' Lives Through Free Arts Programs
Founded in 2001, ARTS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization driven by people who believe in the power of the arts to heal, inspire and empower. We focus our services on children (age 3 to 22) facing many types of life challenges. ARTS does this with a growing staff and dedicated volunteers - these creative, committed and passionate people have allowed ARTS to help more than 25,000 kids in its first 6 years.
We currently serve thousands of kids annually throughout San Diego County at the Pat D'Arrigo ARTS Center and various partner sites.
Our services are FREE to children who qualify. There is no charge to a child, family, partner site or service provider.
ARTS Mission
ARTS is dedicated to healing, inspiring and empowering children facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs, education and employment opportunities.
ARTS Vision
All children experience the power of the arts.
ARTS Values
Creativity
Caring and Nurturing
Positive Energy
Inclusion
Responsibility
Trust and Honesty
We Believe
- Through art expression kids are able to process their feelings, accept and heal
- The artistic and creative process is therapeutic in itself
- Arts allow kids to express themselves in positive ways
- Arts allow kids the opportunity to build a positive relation and trust with an adult
- Experience a supportive and nurturing environment
- The arts enhance self-confidence and self-esteem...kids learn to trust themselves
- The arts increase the ability to control behavior and emotions
- The arts teach important life skills such as sharing, teamwork and problem solving
- There is not "right" or "wrong" in the creative process
- The arts help kids find validation
- Kids need to be kids. Kids deserve to be kids.
ARTS Background
ARTS was first conceived by artist Matt D’Arrigo in 1992 while his mother and sister both battled cancer at the same time. Painting and music were his refuge, and gave him A Reason To Survive that emotional and tumultuous time—especially after the passing of his mother. Just as the arts helped him during one of the most difficult times of his life, he aspired to provide that same opportunity to other kids facing their own personal crises. In 2001 he founded ARTS on his philosophy that the arts can heal and changes lives. He started an outreach program at the Ronald McDonald House twice a week to bring art projects to the children and families staying there while receiving medical treatment at Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital heard about the program and asked him to start a program there as well. The growth began. Soon, community agencies serving a wide range of children experiencing other challenges began to request ARTS services. The outreach program grew to 15 sites by 2006, facilitated by over 50 trained artists and volunteers.
The vision was always to create an ARTS Center—a safe and nurturing place for kids to escape and create through a variety of art forms—visual, performing, and literary. After much hard work, community support, and dedication, ARTS opened the 7,000 sq ft Pat D’Arrigo ARTS Center in 2007, boasting a music room, media arts lab, performance space, ceramics studio, printmaking and mixed media studio, painting studio, as well as a gallery to showcase and sell the kids’ work. Leveraging this incredible new resource, ARTS strategically expanded its programs and mission to now heal, inspire, and empower youth facing life challenges through innovative arts-based programs, education, and employment opportunities. In addition to the Pat D’Arrigo ARTS Center, ARTS created a transportation service called “Van Go!” with a fleet of 3 vans, ensuring that all kids can participate in the programs at the Pat D’Arrigo ARTS Center.
Currently, ARTS serves 5,000 youth ages 3-22 from more than 35 partner organizations that include hospitals, foster care agencies, residential treatment facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and other social service agencies.
