“The mission of Youth Spirit Artworks is to use art jobs and jobs training to empower and transform the lives of youth, giving young people the skills, experience, and self-confidence needed to meet their full potential.” — Youth Spirit Artworks

 

 

Founded in 2007, Youth Spirit Artworks uses the arts as a vehicle to develop skills and employment opportunities for underserved young people in the Bay Area. The Fine Art program provides a space and outlet for original artwork and hosts a Poetry Slam and performance pieces. YSA’s Community Art program partners with local artists, businesses and schools to enliven the community with public art. For example, if you take a stroll along Alcatraz Avenue in Berkeley you’ll enjoy some of their original murals, mosaic signs and tiled street barricades.

 

 

Photo Credit: Youth Spirit Artworks

 

The Art Entrepreneurship and Sales Program offers experience in the marketing and sale of art. YSA participants sell their artwork at local businesses and receive half the proceeds, providing valuable experience with earning income, budgeting, saving and investing. The curriculum also examines the responsible use of credit, personal finance and business skills.

 

An obvious barrier to success for disadvantaged youth in the Bay Area is the lack of affordable, stable housing. In collaboration with the Housing Consortium of the East Bay, YSA developed the Tiny House Empowerment Village, where residents gain consistent access to services and the support of a community of peers.

 

After finishing two prototypes, volunteers from the interfaith community worked together to complete a total of 26 tiny houses. With the spirit of an art-focused organization, the homes have been painted with murals designed and created by a collaboration of youth artists and adult art mentors.

 

Youth Spirit Artworks is an effective and compassionate promoter of youth wellness and community service and ROOF is proud to support their mission.