Apex for Youth highlights how art can be a powerful force for youth mental health, especially for young people navigating emotional challenges. Participants shared that showing their work made them feel “happy and seen” and staff emphasized that creative expression helps young people explore their identity and connect with others in ways that words can not. Read More

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The Trump administration has dramatically cut funding for the arts since it took over the Presidential office, jeopardizing the future of the industry. Rob Lentz, the executive director of Open Studio Project, reports that his organization’s grant to support art for elementary school students has been cancelled: “The work will go on, but right now I’m pretty discouraged… the nonprofit sector is under siege by our own government, and arts organizations are especially vulnerable.” In addition, Bob Suttmann, the President of AFM Local 802, reflects, “[This] is an attack on American excellence and creativity.” Read More

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A 2023 study conducted by Psychological Science illustrates the immense impact that awe-inspiring art brings to young individuals. When exposed to art in museums, children proved to be more generous and empathetic. The study reports: “Our research is the first to demonstrate that awe-eliciting art can spark prosociality in children." Read More

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Tori Wardrip, an art teacher from Montana, launched a support group for youth struggling with mental health challenges. The community, referred to as Creative Courage, utilizes art activities and journaling to help children express their emotions. Mental illness is a very personal topic to Wardrip; she spent time in college working with Creative Pulse, a master's program that integrates art into the classroom. She reflects, “In my program, I was challenged to do the most important thing I could do for myself, which helped me open up about my depression and suicidal tendencies. I firmly believe the program saved my life.” Wardrip is determined to spread the arts and help other children thrive in the same ways she did. Read More

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In her teen opinion for The Guardian, Rafah explains the profound impact that art has had on her life. She reflects on the significant role that art plays in society: “Art has been used to present opinions and challenge authority. It’s been used to record iconic moments in history and it has captured the imagination of some of the most outspoken individuals.” While art certainly contributes an aesthetically pleasing visual, it is a median that allows people to change the world and express their ideas without the use of words. Read More

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A study from the Cultural Learning Alliance (CLA) finds a connection between poverty and arts education: youth living in low-income areas are significantly less likely to take art classes in school when compared to those in higher-income areas. The report describes this inequality to be a result of reduced funding for the arts and an overall decline in the expressive arts in society. CLA leaders use the term "arts entitlement gap" to describe how children growing up in poverty are not receiving the social and creative benefits that an arts education provides. Read More

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