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Art Start uses the creative process to nurture the voices, hearts, and minds of historically marginalized youth. We offer a space for them to imagine, believe, and represent their creative vision for their lives and communities.

Imagine Believe
Create
Become

current event
SEE ME BECAUSE
June 13-June 21

Sotheby's New York

Join us for an opening reception on June 14, 6pm - 8pm at Sotheby's New York.

A multimedia exhibition portraying the complex narratives of underrepresented youth, asking the world to see them as they choose to be seen.

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our programs

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New York
New York
Creative Collectives

Since 1991, we’ve held arts workshops with young people coping with challenging circumstances such as homelessness and the juvenile justice system.

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New York, Milwaukee
New York, Milwaukee
Creative Connections

Art Start’s Creative Connections program offers a continuum of spaces and pathways where teens and young adults can explore, learn, and grow into their own place in the creative arts industries. Join CCX //NYC// //MKE//

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New York, Milwaukee
New York, Milwaukee
Public Exchanges

Public Exchanges is a public platform for the voices and visions of the Art Start community of youth and families.

  • Our Participants
  • Our Staff

  • meet
    Kayla

    Kayla is a 16 year old visual artist who enjoys using various mediums to be creative; whether doing hyper surrealism drawings, digital art, fashion or writing songs.

    Kayla

    I started drawing when I was in the seventh grade and by the eighth grade, I was so good at it. I was doing master studies of like Caravaggio, Bouguereau, all of these things

Press

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press
February 20, 2021
Kings, Designers, Freedom Fighters: Students of Color Reimagine their Future

"An art program is helping Milwaukee teens see themselves in their own light, rather than the narratives that surround them." - The Guardian, written by Mario Karan

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press
June 4, 2021
"See Me Because" Portrait Exhibition Opens in Chelsea

"A new exhibition entitled "See Me Because" showing the final portraits is now on display at the Starrett-Lehigh Building in Chelsea through June 26." NY1, written by Nina Godfrey.

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press
September 28, 2021
Meeting with NGO Art Start

"Art Start brings creative opportunities to young people where they are, so they can explore their own potential and inherent talents while establishing a sense of consistency and safety with caring and supportive teaching artists and mentors." - Artsper