Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

EMPATHY, RESPECT, and EXCELLENCE are the qualities we foster in youth to fulfill our mission of positive social change through the arts.

Sign making at Arts For Justice community event

Today’s youth will be the problem solvers who create the world we have yet to imagine, and The Art Effect is committed to advancing their journey from learning to leadership by engaging young people in transformative practices that embrace relationship building, inclusiveness, racial and economic equity, and accountability. We implement programs with a goal of supporting young Black, Indigenous, and people of color from historically marginalized communities, in order to advance access and opportunities and combat economic and educational disparities inherent in our society.

Amya West working on a sign at an Arts For Justice community event

ARTS FOR JUSTICE

In 2020, Arts For Justice programs provided safe creative spaces to process emotions, express opinions, and build community through free public events. Additionally, MADLab students created and unveiled a series of memorial garden sculptures in downtown Poughkeepsie, infused with messages of strength, harmony, and racial injustice.

MADLab memorial sculpture garden unveiling

ARTS FOR HEALING

Arts-based therapeutic programs provide physical, emotional, and psychological support for participants improving their overall health, quality of life, cognitive abilities, and interpersonal skills. In 2020, program partners included The Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, C.O.L.O.R.S. Foundation, and Support Connection, Inc.

In times of great crisis the population has relied on art to increase morale. During the Great Depression, it was the street artists that led the first wave of resilience that ended up rolling into a stronger country. Art saves lives, now more than ever.

— Lamar Wint, Youth Producer at The Art Effect

Photo by Judah Reid

Photo from Spark Studios Summer

Photo by Judah Reid