This spring we are profiling youth serving arts organizations that offer programs for kids and teens this summer.
The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, opens a new window offers support and opportunities for artists and arts organizations in Southern Arizona. Here are two grant and scholarship opportunities to check out:
Project Creosote: Pima County Youth Arts Scholarship
Who: High School Seniors planning on attending Tohono O'Odham Community College or Pima County Community College
What: $1000 Tuition Scholarship
When: Applications Due May 27th
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Project Creosote: stART to Heal
Who: Artists and Community Organizers Age 18+
What: $500-$2500 Grant - Community Track or Artist Development Track Available
When: Applications Due May 27th
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In addition, the Arts Foundation oversees the Transportation Art By Youth, opens a new window (TABY) program, which takes place every two to three years through a collaboration between the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM), and a City of Tucson Ward (this year, Ward 1), with funding from the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), and the City of Tucson.
This year they've hired 8 youth artists, one youth assistant and one teacher-artist to create art at a space on the corner of 12th Ave and Drexel here in Tucson. This year's TABY will use visual storytelling to document the rich cultural traditions of South 12th with the theme: ‘Food, mobility and culture on la duce.’ A panel of seven community leaders, business owners, and Ward 1 neighbors has convened to choose a teacher-artist, and a design for art, to beautify the planters at this intersection. Collaboration with community members like this is an essential part of successful public art, and is just what the Arts Foundation is organized to do.
They hire youth artists with diversity and equity in mind in order to provide up and coming artists with the financial resources they need to be able to devote their time to art. TABY allows youth to learn about the importance of public art, including the process of community involvement, and builds their capacity as artists to succeed in whatever future they create. Woods Fairchild, Public Arts Assistant Manager, hopes that youth in the program “fall in love with public art and grow into artists that one day work in the public art space.”
As the Grants and Service Manager, Yurika Isoe is excited about TABY every year because it introduces her to a new group of young artists that will soon be in a position to apply for grants and opportunities themselves as adult artists in the community. Providing opportunities and networking among artists are key ingredients to the success of the foundation and are why the Arts Foundation is an integral part of the arts community in Southern Arizona.
Find out more, opens a new window about the Arts Foundation of Tucson and Southern Arizona and information on how to get involved.
Find out what the library is planning, opens a new window for tweens and teens this summer.
by Matt L., Assistant Manager, Woods Memorial Library
