What started as a humble arts program in a one-room warehouse has blossomed into a transformative service organization that is making a profound impact on the lives of young learners in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. For the past 35 years, Inner-City Arts has been providing invaluable arts education to underserved students, empowering them with the tools and opportunities to explore their creativity and unlock their full potential.

Unlocking Creativity and Empowering Underserved Youth

Bridging the Arts Education Gap

Many students in these underserved areas face significant barriers to accessing high-quality arts education. With funding for the arts often being cut from public schools, these students may not have access to a wide array of creative programs or even be aware of the diverse career paths available in the arts. This is where Inner-City Arts steps in, providing a safe and empowering environment for these young learners to explore their creativity and discover their passions.

A Campus Brimming with Artistic Possibilities

The Inner-City Arts campus, nestled between Skid Row, the Arts District, and the Fashion District, is a true oasis of creativity. Spanning 8 studio spaces, each focused on a different artistic medium, the campus offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of artistic disciplines, from visual arts and ceramics to performing arts and media arts. The Creativity Lab, a maker space, allows students to engage in interdisciplinary learning, tinkering with tools and exploring their curiosity.

Fostering a Vibrant Community

Beyond the studio spaces, Inner-City Arts is committed to fostering a sense of community and connection. The Rosenthal Theater on campus serves as a hub for students to showcase their talents, with opportunities to learn performing arts by writing original works or participating in productions. The organization also hosts events like the Summer on 7th event, inviting the broader community to experience the magic of the campus and engage with the arts.

Diverse Representation and Inclusive Programming

Inner-City Arts proudly serves a diverse student population, with 75% of its students identifying as Latino or Latinx, 7.3% as Black or African American, 5.9% as Asian, and 3.4% as two or more races. The organization partners with the Los Angeles Unified School District and local charter schools, providing school-day programs that bring classes to the campus for weekly sessions. Additionally, they offer after-school and Saturday options, as well as specialized classes for middle and high school students.

Empowering the Next Generation of Artists and Leaders

Inner-City Arts' commitment to nurturing young talent extends beyond the classroom. The organization's Work of Art internship program provides 11th and 12th-grade students with the opportunity to explore their artistic passions, gain professional experience, and develop their portfolios under the guidance of mentors. The Professional Development Institute also offers educators, administrators, parents, and guardians the tools and strategies to integrate arts-based learning into their classrooms, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts reaches even more young minds.

Measurable Impact and Inspiring Outcomes

The impact of Inner-City Arts' programs is undeniable. According to the organization's 2023-24 Impact Report, their school-day programs served 3,681 students, providing over 3,000 hours of instruction in the studio. The results speak for themselves, with 84% of students demonstrating improved critical thinking skills and 86% showing enhanced communication, interpersonal skills, and collaboration.

A Beacon of Hope and Opportunity

At the heart of Inner-City Arts' mission is the belief that every child deserves access to the transformative power of the arts. By providing a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment, the organization is empowering young learners to discover their creative passions, develop essential skills, and envision a future where the arts are not just a hobby, but a viable and fulfilling career path. As an arts ambassador for the community, Inner-City Arts is truly a beacon of hope and opportunity, changing the lives of countless young people in Downtown Los Angeles.