Who We Are
Founded in 1997, Arts for Humanity! has been a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit providing Expressive Arts Programs for marginalized, under-served community members, at no charge, through partnerships with local nonprofits, artists, and college interns. Arts for Humanity! provided Community Arts Programs in partnership with Social Good Fund through 2022, a nonprofit 501(C)(3), and operated under their umbrella and is currently an independent organization.
What We Do
Arts for Humanity! collaborates with local social service agencies and after-school programs to offer low-income elders, people with disabilities and at-risk youth free ongoing opportunities for personal growth through the arts.
We’re also making a difference in the lives of college interns who we mentor—inspiring a new generation to contribute to their communities through the arts in social service. These specially trained interns along with the staff of Arts for Humanity! enable and encourage each participant to be empowered and build community through dance, theatre, poetry and visual arts.
Please watch this brief video to get a glimpse of the magic of an Arts for Humanity! program:
Have You Had Your Art Today?
In times of crises, we need humanity, expression, and the community that the arts create. Arts for Humanity! hopes to help ease the strain of these challenging times by providing creative opportunities that spark the imagination and soothe the soul. We have always worked to use the arts to empower and serve,“Have You Had Your Art Today?” mobilizes our mission as we reach both young and old across a wide, diverse audience.
Experience Curated Virtual Opportunities
We are sharing inspirational work by artists from around the world. We are offering virtual opportunities that bring the creative arts directly to the lives of program participants as well as to community members at large.
“I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this organization. Incorporating art into my everyday life has led me to become a more well-rounded person. The video, “The Omelette,” brightened my day and I sent it to all my friends! Thank you! Your work has not gone unnoticed.”
To find some peace and comfort please see this profound and exquisite rendition of a poem by Kitty O’Meara, performed by the remarkable Renée Fleming. Music performed by John Corigliano.
“This March, when measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic had begun around the world, a few hopeful voices resonated above the fear and isolation.
One such voice belonged to Kitty O’Meara, whose heartfelt poem “And the people stayed home” was shared on social media, as readers embraced her message of resilience and healing.
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano was inspired to set the poem to music, and I was honored when he asked me to premiere it. ”
Want to know more about our programs?
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“I’ve learned so much from working with Arts for Humanity! Karsen taught me to be a better teacher by mentoring me; she spread her love for what she does, enabling it to affect more people.”
