Our Programs

“We discovered our strengths and abilities that we did not recognize before. We are now able to express our feelings and thoughts through illustration and colors.”

- Asma, age 16, student from Jordan

Abstract illustration of a character with a paintbrush painting a plant with a single eye.

Murals & Sculpture

Mural projects begin with group discussions and sketching sessions, leading to the creation of a collective design. Then the painting begins! Each art-making session explores issues relevant to the participants’ lives. The final mural features dozens of small, personal works of art within the context of one large, cohesive mural. Select projects also include the creation of interactive musical sculptures made from recycled materials, known as the Foundstrument Soundstrument project.

Colorful mural on a curved building with cosmic and human faces
People painting a colorful mural on a wall.
Children interacting with a colorful art installation made of recycled materials, featuring vibrant painted tubes and circular elements, in an outdoor setting.
Two abstract cartoon characters with closed eyes and arms in the air, featuring simple geometric shapes and purple accents.

Performance

Theater and dance projects begin with workshops focused on developing a story, choreography and theme, all of which reflect the lives of the participants. The group rehearses and improves their piece until the final day, when they perform it publicly to their families, friends and community. Workshops explore storytelling fundamentals, character development, and expression through movement.

Group of people performing a human pyramid in bright colored shirts in front of a vibrant mural.
Group of people in colorful costumes posing in front of a vibrant graffiti wall.
Street dancers performing on a square mat outdoors surrounded by spectators, with vibrant painted murals in the background and trees under a blue sky.
Illustration of Earth with closed eyes being hugged, symbolizing peace, with a Wi-Fi signal above

Virtual Bridges

Through our tech-based creative projects, participants have the opportunity to learn basic animation skills, explore digital creative platforms and collaborate with their peers across the world. Workshops include:

  • Create stop motion animated films using clay characters

  • Fundamentals of digital art and design

  • Meet with youth in other countries and make art together

Collage of people in masks and holding objects in a virtual meeting
Person wearing a virtual reality headset and holding VR controllers.
Two people laughing and looking at a laptop screen in a colorful room with a mural in the background.
Two abstract cartoon characters, one with a triangular body and the other with a hexagonal body, holding a purple brush. The triangular character appears to have a flame-like hairstyle and is in motion, while the hexagonal character is stationary.

Skill Building & Entrepreneurship

Participants from marginalized communities learn new creative skills, including a variety of craft-making (ceramics, jewelry, artisanal chocolate, apparel design) and tech-based platforms (PhotoShop, AR, VR). They learn to earn a living with these skills through marketing their work and starting their own small businesses. Create stop motion animated films using clay characters.

Group of women seated at a table creating jewelry with beads, tools, and thread. Various crafting materials and containers are spread across the table.
A group of people in a classroom gathered around a table with a sewing machine, fabric, and scissors, listening to a woman explaining something.
A classroom setting with students working on laptops. Two boys are seated at a table, focused on their computers. A woman stands nearby, engaged in conversation with another student. Water bottles and snacks are on the table. A blue curtain serves as the backdrop.

“

This program supported us on so many levels, like how to think about alternative solutions to overcome struggles.

”

- Participant from Women’s Empowerment Program in Jordan

Video Spotlight

Joel Bergner: Community Mural
in Harlem

Artolution’s co-founder Joel Bergner tells us how a mural comes to be.

This ground mural was created with community members, including youth from the Harlem Children's Zone and the St. Nicholas Public Housing, where the mural was painted. Joel Bergner worked with artists Lizbeth Martinez, Angela Zirbes and Yolande Dukens. Project organized by Deymis Baquero.

Partners: Artolution, Center for Court Innovation, Neighborhood Safety Initiative, Mayor's Action Plan , Neighborhood STAT, Harlem Children's Zone.

Video created by Shaunice Crawford