Baltimore Youth Arts is a creative entrepreneurship and job readiness program that provides artistic and professional opportunities to young people, ages 14-22, with a focus on those who have contact with the justice system. Our mission is to assist young people in gaining the creative, personal, and educational skills that will enable them to become leaders in their communities.
The ultimate goal of BYA is to support youth in their transition back to their communities by providing enrichment activities, employment, training, and mentorship. BYA’s programs consist of:
- Providing art enrichment programming at the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center and for on young women probation;
- Facilitating weekly dialogue circles for young people held in detention, allowing youth to express their emotions and learn how to resolve conflict in a restorative and supportive environment; and
- Employing young people in our Studio Apprentice Program. Apprentices receive in-depth arts training, learn job and entrepreneurial skills, and participate in events to sell their work in the community.
This year alone we served over 275 young people, taught over 150 classes, and employed 25 youth and we know we can do more. Consider donating to BYA and supporting our end of year campaign.
Your donation will help us expand programming to serve more young people in the community and those who are system-involved. Donations will allow us to increase the number stipends given to youth in the Studio Apprentice Program.
Your giving will help us hire instructors to provide high quality art education, and build creative and marketable skills, and help cover the cost for materials and supplies for art and job readiness classes at programming sites.
Thank you for your support and helping youth in Baltimore have opportunities to access their full potential so that they feel equipped to advocate for themselves and others.
All donations are tax-deductible through Fusion Partnerships, BYA’s fiscal sponsor.
