Mission
MessArts is a queer-led visual arts program, with a special focus on youth leadership, safe spaces, and community.
Vision
We aim to create a space where youth are not only artists, but also stakeholders in the program itself. At Mess Arts the young artists can actualize their wackiest ideas in a safe and supportive environment.
Core Values
Process over Product
We believe play and experimentation should be at the root of self expression in the arts. Mess Arts students receive high quality art education with an emphasis on curiosity, and exploration.
Financial Accessibility
All of our classes/events/camps/open studio are offered on a sliding scale basis, and 3 or more spaces of our offerings are available on scholarship. We recently launched the Single Parent Fund to support our single parent families who benefit so greatly from being part of the Mess Arts community.
Collectivism and Community
Participation in Mess Arts is an invitation into a communal learning space. We believe learning from each other is just as important as learning from an instructor. We seek to facilitate an environment of co-learning that is not defined by traditional hierarchies. All learners are able to collaborate in the utilization of the studio. We are deeply rooted in the 7th Ward and continue to do our part as community members within our neighborhood. Mess Arts also engenders community within its participants by creating an Artist Collective. As students commit and grow with the program, they can conceptualize and lead a variety of activities out in the community and beyond with their fellow collective members.
Youth Voice
At Mess Arts we center youth voice and leadership. Young artists are given the opportunity for a safe space not only for their own self expression, but to actualize even their most wacky ideas with support and belief.
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