MISSION:

Graffiti Zone’s mission is to creative environment in which young people can connect with themselves and their community and learn skills through art making and arts promotion.

Graffiti Zone makes use of art as a powerful tool for change in the Humboldt Park community of Chicago. Graffiti Zone takes a unique approach of empowering kids to engage the public, express their distinct voice, and earn income from their own artwork by using art making as a tool for self-expression and arts promotion as a tool for empowerment.

HISTORY:

Humboldt Park is one of the neediest and most dangerous communities in our city. Our kids struggle with the threat of gangs, guns and drugs everyday. Families need a safe space for kids to go after school to keep them away from these threats and provide them with learning opportunities. Graffiti Zone opened in 2006 to provide  a safe  space for kids. Our name “Graffiti Zone” was chosen to reflect the need for kids in low income areas to have a place that is safe to be creative and share their story. Art was chosen for many reasons. One reason is that we are located in District 299, one of the worst performing districts in Illinois. Art and recreational programs were cut to provide more time to help improve test scores in math and reading. Unfortunately visual arts are being viewed as an extracurricular activity when in reality it helps children build critical thinking skills that are necessary in all areas of life. To name a few other benefits of art; art gives kids a chance to express themselves and create something they can call their own, art provides an outlet for kids to gain appreciation for each others work which does not happen so often in their other studies and art is something they can promote on their own and earn and an income. Beside a possible income arts promotion was added to give kids an opportunity to learn valuable business skills. Art teaching and arts promotion requires one to be creative. Our society was built on creative thinkers and we need to ensure today’s children have the tools they need to help create a bright future for us all.

VISION:

It is our vision to provide a safe place for kids to be creative. Gz envisions creating partnerships and internships that will provide opportunities in the arts for kids in our community. We will continue to work toward increasing awareness and appreciation for the arts in neighborhoods that do not have much access to the arts. It is our vision to provide opportunities for kids to earn an income through art making and arts promotion . Graffiti Zone has seen how easy it is for young people in our neighborhood who can’t find a job to turn to selling drugs. Gangs and drug are prevalent in our neighborhood and it is imperative that we find resources to keep kids on the right track. We have also seen how difficult it can be for visual artist to earn an income and we will strive to provide for opportunities for adults as well. In standing with our mission and vision Graffiti Zone, Inc. created a 3 year Strategic Plan that will focus on organizational infrastructure development, financial stability, program definition and expansion, and community relationship building.  

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