As ARTS marks 25 years of impact, we’re raising $150,000 to strengthen the programs, people, and spaces that ensure young artists continue to thrive for the next 25 years.
For 25 years, ARTS has created spaces where young people can discover who they are, express themselves freely, and build meaningful connections through creativity. Now, we Together with students, families, artists, educators, and supporters, we are celebrating a legacy of impact and investing in what comes next.
Your generosity fuels creativity, connection, and opportunity.
$100 provides a season’s worth of art supplies for a young artist to explore their voice + vision
$500 supports paid internships, equipping teens with skills and confidence for success in life, school, and career
$1,000 sustains safe, intentional spaces where creativity + community come together to grow
Celebrating creativity, community, and the next generation of courageous leaders
2001
ARTS began by partnering with children's hospitals and support organizations, like Ronald McDonald House, to provide therapeutic arts experiences for youth facing significant challenges.
2007
An ARTS Center was established in Liberty Station, and the "Van Go" transportation service was introduced to support outreach and serve as a home base for art experiences, community engagement, and art projects.
2012
ARTS established its home in National City, transforming a former public library into a space for creativity and community while continuing to create large-scale public art projects.
2018
ARTS shifted toward a place-based approach, serving South Bay youth through healing-centered arts experiences.
2022 – Today
ARTS expanded its reach through school partnerships, justice-system programming, community events, paid internships, and youth leadership opportunities—serving hundreds of youth and families annually.
Now, as we celebrate 25 years, we continue building opportunities where creativity opens doors and young people shape the future.
We are so proud of how far we have come!
Visual and media arts education on school campuses through community-centered creative projects and workshops.
Creative arts and community design experiences for youth ages 12–18 at the ARTS Center in National City.
Healing-centered creative experiences for justice-impacted youth that support self-expression, connection, and growth.
Hands-on experiences connecting youth to creative careers through mentorship and paid internships in creative fields
Creative Youth Development
Using creativity as a tool to build confidence, leadership, and self-expression.
Community of Care
Creating spaces where young people feel welcomed, supported, and connected.
Healing-Centered Engagement
Centering joy, identity, culture, and meaningful relationships as pathways toward healing and growth.
These approaches shape every program, every relationship, and every experience at ARTS.
As we celebrate 25 Years of ARTS, we’re honoring the young people, families, artists, and supporters who have shaped this journey—and inviting you to help write the next chapter.