Arts programming with social emotional learning and mentorship; art disciplines include but not limited to Dance, Tech, Culinary, visual arts, Audio engineering, fashion, podcast, Video production, music and public community art.
“The Firehouse is giving me the resources I need to grow and flourish in my photography career.”
– Markethiues Baldwin
Youth who manage the day to day activities for all youth working groups.
Youth who organize events and public art projects in areas around North Lawndale. They work to engage the community in these activities.
Youth who learn how to make and play instruments while learning the history of their origin. Youth connect older styles of music to current popular music culture.
Youth who receive world-class training, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects that celebrate the culture and spirit of Chicago's West Side.
Youth who organize sports activities. They organize contests and fun filled days for youth to feel safe and play in their parks.
Youth who learn to utilize their voice by expressing themselves through podcasts. Youth learn the basics of putting together a podcast from setting up equipment, to interviewing guests and editing their content to be released to an audience.
Youth who learn basic skills to cook a meal on a budget. Youth also learn about culinary arts and the hospitality industry while developing social emotional skills using food and having fun. They often engage in preparing food for mass distributions and hosting biweekly barbeques in the community.
SparkArts has a 93% attendance rate
POSITIVE COPING:
97% of SparkArts participants learned positive ways to release
stress
SELF EXPRESSION:
97% of participants learned positive ways to express thoughts and
emotions
SELF KNOWLEDGE:
97% of participants have a better understanding of who they are
as a person
STRENGTHS:
90% of participants are more aware of their strengths
GOALS:
90% of participants have more clarity about their goals