AOB engages the creativity of young people in under-resourced communities across our region to design the future. In-school programming for students ages 4-14 introduces them to the arts by integrating it with science and nature. High school students become artists through The Apprentice Program (TAP) – the longest-running local youth creative workforce development program – producing commissioned art that reflects their often overlooked cultural perspectives. Post-high school, youth continue as Studio Crew members, creating large-scale public art while practicing entrepreneurial skills, developing community leadership, and transforming our local environment. These real-world experiences do more than train participants to join the creative workforce: their artwork is regarded as on par with professional public artists and contribute to a stronger feeling of community. At AOB, youth imagine and shape the futures they want to see.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; Wheaton; Kensington; Silver Spring; Eastern Montgomery County; Gaithersburg; Washington DC

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Immigrants/Refugees; All

Schools They Work In: Montgomery Blair High School; Hubert Blake High School; John F. Kennedy High School; Northwood High School; Springbrook High School; Wheaton High School; Richard Montgomery High School; Rockville High School; Roberto Clemente Middle School; Neelsville Middle School


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   400
  • Public works of art total and annually created and installed:  
    150+ total/11 works of public art per year (some works have multiple parts)
  • Artistic and personal growth of our youth through a program period:   Up to 60 participants/program

Awards & Recognition

2017 Catalogue for Philanthropy designated AOB as one of the best DC-area community-based nonprofits

2013 Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley designated September 21 as 'Arts on the Block Day' in recognition of our 10th anniversary

2011 Nancy Dworkin Outstanding Service to Youth Award in “Organization” category

2008 The County Executive of Montgomery County Certificate in Recognition and Appreciation for creation of the “Turning Point” mural, a community arts landmark joining Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties

2008 Office of the County Executive for Prince George’s County Proclamation in recognition of the “Turning Point” mural

2008 Citation from U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen in recognition of the “Turning Point” mural

2006 Leadership Montgomery Give Where You Lead Award

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Arts on the Block is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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