This is our entry-level arts program.  Many youth who are new referrals start by completing at least one session in the Creative Justice BASE Program. BASE stands for “Building, Affirming, and Strengthening Experiences.”

Youth self-select into an art practice and attend two 2-hour classes per a week with a master teaching artist. They are compensated $60-90 per week, art supplies are provided, and they are offered various basic needs supports such as grocery cards, personal items, and rental and transportation support as available. After completing one 10-12 week session with us a youth can opt to participate in another session and/or apply to join the Youth Leadership Board, Heal, Youth Consortium, Makerspace and/or the Peer Mentor Artist training program.'

How does BASE Program work?

Experienced mentor artists lead four 8-12 week intensive project sessions per year in a variety  of disciplines. During the sessions, participants meet twice a week, for two hours, to dialogue, create and share a meal.    

Sessions include:  

• Artistic skill building with an emphasis on social practice; 

• Discussion and learning rooted in principles of anti-racism and social justice; 

• Individual and collaborative creative work; and 

• Opportunities to give and receive feedback.  

In exchange for their creative work, youth receive community service credit and stipends that incentivize participation while helping to pay court fines and other expenses. Family members  are engaged in the projects in various ways, including participation in hands-on activities. At the end of each session, youth lead and produce community-based events where they share  their creativity, vision, and new abilities.