Art Offers Creative Relief For Children

Nelson Mandella once said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Art, in all its forms, is a shining example of this. Its power is reflected in the diverse youth arts programs offered nationwide. Southwest Washington’s arts organizations boast robust outreach programs that demonstrate the value of connecting the arts with children who may not otherwise be exposed to it.

Artstra’s Creative Relief Clark County provides arts supplies, project ideas, and instruction to communities with limited access to the tools of creativity. Creative Relief Clark County programs offer a respite for both adults and children from the circumstantial hardships they may be experiencing. Artstra is an all-volunteer organization. Funding for this program is provided through donations and sponsorships.

Enspire Arts creates vibrant and interactive arts experiences for Clark County students, including in-school Arts, Education & Student Wellness programs, After School Arts Exploration programs, and an annual Arts Ambassador Scholarship program. Sessions are provided free to students through sponsorships from local businesses, foundations, PTA groups and/or private individuals.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra strives to facilitate social change through community-building music education programs. The VSO presents several outreach concerts annually in low income and underserved schools, working closely with Clark County school districts to identify specific schools that would benefit most from this program. Additionally, VSO annual in-school educational performances are geared towards providing necessary exposure to music and art to children of all ages.

Hough Foundation
The Hough Foundation offers students of Hough Elementary School several after school enrichment programs, including performing arts, music exploration, and Enspire Arts. Many students that participate in Hough Foundation music programs continue to be involved in the arts as they go forward to middle and high school.

Southwest Washington is passionate about the arts and making it accessible for all. We join the ranks of cities across the country that are connecting underserved communities with the arts in amazing ways. To find out how you can support any of these organizations and the programs they offer, please click on the organization names above.