Organization Details:

Art for Change is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for creating innovative art and media programs that inspire people to take an active role in social justice.

Description and/or History:
Art for Change is an organization dedicated to increasing civic participation through art programs and performances that provide equal access to information; inspiring reflection, discussion, collaboration and action. By merging art and community, AfC provides a space to explore social issues and celebrate the richness of cultural diversity.

CORE VALUES

• Create collaborations in the community
• Inspire solidarity among people
• Encourage diversity by transcending gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual preference
• Provide safe and open forums for positive dialogue
• Pursue social and economic justice

OBJECTIVES

• To strengthen communities through programs that address social issues, raise awareness and inspire collaboration and participation.

• To increase accessibility of art that comes from culturally diverse artists celebrating cultural heritage yet stimulating cross-cultural dialogue.

• To provide space for artists and communities to share resources and exchange information.

• To foster creativity by providing individuals with the environment where they can experience and explore art as a method of expression.

• To make the work of artists more accessible to a wider audience and challenge them to define their role in the struggle for progressive social change.

• To increase civic participation by providing equal access to the arts and to information.

• To stimulate artists to serve as catalysts for understanding and articulating the needs and aspirations of communities.

WHAT IS ART FOR CHANGE?

Art for Change encourages the advancement of progressive social change by using art as a catalyst for disseminating information to people. We provide space to discuss and explore that information, stimulating individual and collective reflection, which leads to action and change.

Art is our tool and our common ground – by building a bridge between communities and artists we can help to articulate experiences, struggles and aspirations, inspiring people to consider, with a questioning eye, their ways of life, their environment, their roles, how various systems work, and ways to improve their lives and environment.

By providing equal access to information and involvement, we encourage active participation while building community. By focusing on artistic expression, we play a key role in maintaining cultural traditions, respect and appreciation for the diversity of cultures in New York City. We are an asset to our community; providing space for other organizations, artists and activists to congregate, rehearse, network and interact with the community of East Harlem.

HISTORY

On March 2, 2000, Eliana Godoy founded Art for Change on the streets of New York City with a group of extraordinary artists, activists and supporters who have been committed to building better communities through the arts. Each believes that art is central to the enrichment of the human experience and shared culture.

In the beginning, without a home and with limited funds AfC was built by consistently relying on the power of collaboration. The staff and volunteers found creative ways to maximize all available resources. They offered their skills and were willing to acquire new ones; they learned together. Through partnerships with organizations, (among them; El Taller Boricua and The Lower East Side Tenement Museum) AfC received in-kind support space for many of its early programs. Inspired by the success in building alliances, AfC continues to forge partnerships with other organizations that share a vision of distributing the wealth of art to communities.

AfC has evolved into a movement of individuals committed to creating a platform that expresses a shared vision. Today, the passion, self-determination, and sacrifices of staff and volunteers assure AfC’s growth.

Contact person: Clara Rodriguez, President, (212) 348-7044, (email)

Address:

1699 Lexington Avenue, Basement North New York, NY 10029 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the 6 train to 103 St Station. Walk 3 blocks north on Lexington Avenue. We are located between 106 and 107 Streets, on the basement level of building 1695 Lexington Ave.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 6 train, 103 St Station,   Walk distance (in minutes): 4   Nearest Bus Stop: M101/102/103/104, 1 minute walk