In the heart of Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles, where hope meets hardship, Inner-City Arts stands as a beacon of creativity and opportunity. For over 35 years, the organization has thrived on partnerships with professional artists, creative agencies, corporations, fellow nonprofits, and our dedicated alumni. Our high-quality arts education and mentorship programs empower K-12 students from under-resourced communities to become creative, confident, and collaborative individuals.
Our flagship initiative, Work of Art, is a paid internship for 11th and 12th graders that spans two years. This program not only trains creative youth in their chosen art forms but also equips them with essential skills and real-world experience needed for their journey beyond high school. Work of Art aims to guide and develop each intern’s arts-based skill set, provide opportunities to practice fundamental workforce skills, and ensure valuable experience in the creative economy. Through strategic partnerships we’ve integrated Columbia University’s workforce readiness curriculum and collaborated with renowned artists such as Jenny Holzer on impactful projects displayed throughout Downtown LA and West Hollywood. Interns also participated in externships and shadow days at prestigious organizations like DreamWorks Animation and Michael Maltzan Architecture, gaining invaluable insights into their chosen fields.
Our commitment to fostering creative excellence extends beyond practical experience. Inner-City Arts commissioned playwright Megan Tabaque to collaborate with our Performing Arts interns, resulting in an original adaptation of “Antigone,” titled “Antigone’s Last Birthday,” a powerful contemporary tale of resilience and empowerment.
The impact of our programs is profound. Alumna Ruby Barrios premiered her original musical, “Ruby’s Button,” at our Rosenthal Theater, showcasing the enduring influence of Inner-City Arts in launching creative careers. Testimonials from alumni like Tiara S. underscore the lasting value of Work of Art, from developing portfolios to nurturing lifelong connections and essential work habits.
At Inner-City Arts, we recognize the transformative power of creative expression in fostering growth, social mobility, and well-being. With the support of our partners and funders such as Mentors Foundation, we continue to empower young people to explore their creativity, express themselves through various art forms, and connect with the boundless opportunities of the creative economy.
