The NextGen Artist Youth Program is a transformative initiative addressing the critical decline of arts education in schools, particularly those serving Black youth. With arts programs being eliminated in nearly 80% of budget-strained schools (NEA), students from underserved communities face significant barriers to creative opportunities. These disparities disproportionately impact low-income and minority students, limiting their cognitive development, academic success, and access to the creative economy.

NextGen Artist directly bridges this gap, providing free, high-quality arts education to over 900 middle and high school students annually across five Atlanta Public Schools. Our program, strategically situated in Title I schools, offers workshops, artist residencies, and mentorship in disciplines like visual art, film, music, theatre and fashion. These experiences equip students with the creative, workforce development, and practical skills needed for college, careers, and beyond. Studies show that students engaged in arts programs are twice as likely to graduate college and exhibit higher GPAs and standardized test scores.

In addition to artistic skill-building, the program incorporates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Youth Development, fostering resilience, leadership, and emotional intelligence. By connecting students with enriching cultural field trips and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we inspire them to envision futures as both artists and leaders.

Through performances, exhibitions, and storytelling, the NextGen Artist Program empowers Black youth to confidently shape Atlanta’s cultural narrative, ensuring their representation in the creative economy and broader arts community.