Our Mission
The Arts Empowerment Project believes in the transformative power of art to heal and inspire children impacted by violence and abuse. Our organization connects and funds court-involved and at-risk children’s participation in existing arts and enrichment opportunities in Charlotte, and creates innovative arts integrated life-skills programs to promote resilience, social and emotional learning, positive self-expression and access to new opportunities.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a member of the District Court's Mecklenburg County Youth Coalition.
Our organization collaborates with lawyers, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Social Services's Social Workers, Guardians Ad Litem, Counselors, Teachers and Mecklenburg County’s 26th Judicial District Court to make a difference in the lives of children affected by violence and abuse. Vulnerable and at-risk children who participate in the arts discover an outlet for positive self-expression, personal growth and healing. Through art, they are empowered to break the cycle of violence and alter the trajectory of their lives.
Our Impact
almost 7 years ago — Free Art Friday Program in Charlotte NC
Meet Isis: 5th Grade Student Participant at the YWCA We would like to introduce Isis, one of our star students! Isis has demonstrated growth in artistic abilities during The Arts Empowerment Project’s Free Art Friday Program at the YWCA. We've seen Isis grow in her artistic talent, confidence and communications skills for the past two years. A dedicated student to the arts, Isis has created snowflakes, designed cityscapes of Charlotte, built terrariums featured at our 2018 New Day Luncheon, crafted superhero stories, and attended several Children's Theatre performances. Isis' participation in our Free Art Friday Program is part of the movement to connect young minds to the restorative power of the arts, new possibilities and positive self- expression. Students like Isis engage in social emotional learning during the creative process so that they can practice using these tools during their everyday lives. We believe in using the transformative power of the arts as a vehicle to inspire and prepare students for the future by growing their self-esteem and building resiliency. Through art there is hope.