For thirty years, Project Create has empowered young people in DC and amplified their voices through accessible, multidisciplinary arts education. Outside of school, students participate in free art classes, art therapy groups, workshops, open studio time, and exhibitions and performances. At the Project Create Arts Center in Anacostia and dozens of community partner sites across the District, teaching artists and art therapists collaborate with children, youth, and families to explore drawing and painting, dance, music, theater, and more. In this supportive and inclusive community, art is healing and transformative, improving students’ academic and social success while sparking their creativity and confidence. Serving over 1,500 young people annually, primarily in Wards 7 & 8, Project Create combines arts education and art therapy to support students and their families through the social-emotional, health, and economic challenges students face.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 8
Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8
Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
Schools They Work In: Anacostia High School; Ballou High School; Ketchum Elementary; Kramer Middle School; Hart Middle School; Johnson Middle School
Awards & Recognition
Catalogue for Philanthropy "One of the Best" 2014
Press
- Arts Education for Children Experiencing Homelessness in D.C.
Tue Jun 4 2013, WAMU 88.5 Community Minute
- This Blog Post is Not About Food, But You Need to Read It!
Sat May 18 2013, Four Courses: Food. Place. Talk. Listen.
Children who come from homeless families don't have to miss out on creating. They don't have to grow up to be homeless adults. They can have something better and we all know that. We – as a community – can take the smallest of steps to change their lives.
- Painting a Path of Hope for Homeless Youth Through Arts Education
Tue May 14 2013, D.C. News on WTOP 103.5
- Project Create Helps At-Risk Kids in Southeast D.C.
Wed Mar 20 2013, Harris' Heroes on WJLA/ABC7
- A Different Kind of Youth Homelessness
Tue Nov 27 2012, Youth-Friendly D.C.: D.C. Alliance of Youth Advocates
Budget (FY2023)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for Project Create is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About Spur Local
Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.
Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!