Raw Art Works

Track Sponsors: Amelia Peabody Foundation and Hunt Alternatives Fund

Founded: 1988

Current Budget: $1.1 million

Need

Children and youth growing up in urban neighborhoods nationwide are at risk for a range of negative outcomes. In Lynn, Massachusetts, the 9th largest city in the state, 3 of 4 children (76%) come from low-income households.

The dropout rate in Lynn is 47% higher than the state average.

In a recent survey, 6 of 10 Lynn teenagers reported witnessing an act of violence in the last year.

36 gangs are actively recruiting young people in Lynn.

Research has shown that after-school arts programs are particularly effective with low-income youth and are associated with increased self-esteem, leadership skills, and better school performance.

Other than RAW, there are no arts-based youth development programs in Lynn or anywhere on the North Shore.

About

Using the power of the arts to transform young lives, Raw Art Works ignites the desire to create and the confidence to succeed—one artist at a time. Located in Lynn, Massachusetts, RAW offers free after-school and summer arts programs for underserved, low-income youth, ages 6 to 18. RAW is the only program in the country where art therapists and professional artists integrate their practice, making art together with at-risk kids and providing them with increased opportunity and responsibility at each developmental stage. RAW’s young artists explore personal and community issues, applying discipline, taking risks, and solving problems. RAW kids develop a track record of success, including artistic and life skills; an understanding of who they are and who they can be; and positive relationships with peers, adults, and the community. RAW is a vital creative force and a culturally unifying presence in Lynn. Nationally recognized in its field, RAW is working to disseminate its approach more widely as an effective means of equipping children and teens to develop the confidence to make life-affirming decisions, and the skills to make great art and build great lives.

Key Accomplishments

The National Endowment for the Arts named RAW one of the top 10 youth arts programs in the country.

RAW serves over 550 children in after-school and summer programs and over 800 more through shorter arts workshops.

Since 2004, 90% of RAW’s high school seniors have attended college.

94% of all RAW kids report that they have built strong, trusting relationships with their peers and artist mentors.

Join the Cause

In-Kind Support

Expertise in college admissions—particularly financial aid—to enhance college access mentoring program

Market research to assess revenue-generating opportunities

Expertise in corporate giving

Financial Support

$50,000	One-month summer program for 200 kids
$5,000	A year of programming for five elementary school-age kid
$1,000	A year of events for the community and RAW alumni in RAW’s gallery