Upturn Arts is a fun and creative program that teaches children in the New Orleans community to explore and build confidence in themselves through artistic expression.

Even though New Orleans is a city of artists, it lacks equitable access to arts education, risking that cultural legacy. For more than 15 years, we’ve filled that critical gap by providing accessible arts education for thousands of children ages 6 to 13 – where it’s needed most – when school is out.

We train local, working artists, with our own methodology to build safe and encouraging environments for our young artists to explore each art activity in a positive and supportive way. Our method results in children who explore their creativity, find their unique voice, and walk out of our doors more confident, empowered, and feeling just a bit taller.

We provide children with daily experiences of success and accomplishment – upturns –that can never be taken away.

At Upturn Arts, we make sure that everyone in the next generation of creators, leaders, and changemakers gets their start, regardless of income, ability, or neighborhood.

Won’t you join us? As we like to say, when school’s out, we’re in!

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