Empowering Futures

The Arts for Learning (A4L) vision is one rooted in the power of the positive transformations that happen when children and youth experience the chance to create in a welcoming and supportive environment. Teens in Miami, especially those growing up in marginalized communities, often lack foundational resources and opportunities that support healthy personal development. Too often, they lack physically and emotionally safe spaces for them to learn positive coping, communication, life and workforce skills. Like all youth, they need consistent and supportive peer groups and adults in order to effectively apply their knowledge to learn and grow. Each year, The ArtWorks Program helps high school age participants develop strong peer relations, a sense of community, improved communication and collaboration skills, as well solid abilities in critical thinking, initiative, problem-solving, persistence and time management. The shift to online work during the pandemic has expanded this creative community to include interns from not just Miami, but Chicago, New Jersey, Spain and India, among many others; A4LMiami.org.