ARTS

Transforming Kids' Lives Through Free Arts Programs

Founded in 2001, ARTS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization driven by people who believe in the power of the arts to heal, inspire and empower. We focus our services on children (age 3 to18) facing many types of life challenges. ARTS does this with a small staff and dedicated volunteers - these creative, committed and passionate people have allowed ARTS to help more than 25,000 kids in its first 6 years.

We currently serve thousands of kids annually throughout San Diego County at the Pat D'Arrigo ARTS Center and various partner sites.

Our services are FREE to children who qualify. There is no charge to a child, family, partner site or service provider.

ARTS Mission
ARTS is dedicated to healing, inspiring and empowering children facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs, education and opportunities.

ARTS Vision
Giving children with challenges A Reason To Survive through the ARTS.

We Believe

  • Through art expression kids are able to process their feelings, accept and heal
  • The artistic and creative process is therapeutic in itself
  • Arts allow kids to express themselves in positive ways
  • Arts allow kids the opportunity to build a positive relation and trust with an adult
  • Experience a supportive and nurturing environment
  • The arts enhance self-confidence and self-esteem...kids learn to trust themselves
  • The arts increase the ability to control behavior and emotions
  • The arts teach important life skills such as sharing, teamwork and problem solving
  • There is not "right" or "wrong" in the creative process
  • The arts help kids find validation
  • Kids need to be kids. Kids deserve to be kids.

ARTS Background
A Reason To Survive, Inc. (ARTS) was founded in 2001 by artist Matt D'Arrigo based on his philosophy that the artistic process can change and heal lives. D'Arrigo started volunteering at Ronald McDonald House every Saturday bringing art projects to the children and families staying there. Since then ARTS has been providing their signature outreach program "Expression Sessions" to more than 25,000 children and youth throughout the San Diego community as well as facilitating numerous community art projects and events throughout the year. In February of 2007, ARTS opened the Pat D'Arrigo ARTS Center at NTC Promenade in Point Loma and began offering a wide variety of in-house programs, workshops, trainings and day camps.

ARTS partners with numerous organizations throughout the San Diego community, including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, shelters, rehabilitation centers, community groups, schools, the County of San Diego and children and teens throughout the greater community facing adversity. Although ARTS believes all children benefit from involvement in the arts, ARTS specifically serves children and families facing some of life's toughest challenges: terminal or chronic illness; abuse and neglect; parents in the military serving overseas; eating disorders; physical, mental, behavioral, or emotional disabilities; self-image and self-esteem issues; parental divorce; substance abuse and recovery; gay and lesbian issues; socio-economic challenges and homelessness among others.

In the past six years ARTS has received tremendous support from the community and now employs 5 full time staff, 2 part time, numerous contracted artists, over 100 volunteers, operates on a $600,000 budget and serves more than 10,000 kids each year.