Business Details
Empowering Detroit Youth Through Arts Education
Living Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting creativity in Detroit youth through performing, visual, and media arts. Founded on the principle that arts education fosters confidence and empathy, we serve children from 3 months to 18 years through programs like Detroit Wolftrap, In-School Arts, and Out-of-School Arts. Our community-centric approach prioritizes youth voice, with initiatives like Teen Council and Parent Council ensuring programs align with family needs.With 25 years of experience, we employ teaching artists trained in bilingual and special needs education, offering 7 art forms and 94% financial assistance in after-school programs. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drives systemic change through arts-integrated learning, impacting over 1,129 students annually. We partner with schools and community organizations to deliver 1,625 classroom sessions yearly, emphasizing cultural strength and community-led solutions.
Services
Early Childhood Arts Education
K-12 In-School Residencies
After-School Arts Classes
Parent & Caregiver Workshops
Professional Development Training
Community Arts Programs
Teen Leadership Council
Arts Integration Curriculum
Family Workshops
Media Arts Education
Highlights and features
- We offer 25 years of experience in Detroit youth arts education.
- Our community-centric approach includes Teen Council and Parent Council.
- Bilingual and special needs-trained teaching artists serve diverse learners.
- 94% financial assistance ensures accessibility for all families.
- We deliver 1,625 annual classroom sessions across 7 art forms.
What people say
Safe space
Empowering youth
Creative expression
Community support
Positive impact
Services
Detroit Wolftrap
Detroit Wolftrap uses performing arts strategies to educate children aged 3 months to 6 years. Our bilingual teaching artists train caregivers in singing, dancing, and puppetry techniques to enhance early learning. This program improves literacy, math skills, and social-emotional development through interactive arts experiences.
In-School Arts
In-School Arts delivers visual, performing, and media arts programs to elementary and secondary schools. Teaching artists collaborate with educators to integrate arts into core curricula, fostering creativity and critical thinking. This service reaches over 1,100 students annually through 1,625 classroom sessions across Detroit.
Out-of-School Arts
Out-of-School Arts offers dance, visual arts, and media arts classes outside school hours. With 94% financial assistance available, these programs provide accessible creative outlets for youth. Students develop technical skills while building confidence through performance and exhibition opportunities.
Parent Workshops
Parent Workshops teach caregivers arts-based strategies to support child development. Sessions cover dramatic play, music, and storytelling techniques that reinforce learning at home. These workshops strengthen family engagement and extend educational benefits beyond classroom settings.
Professional Development
Professional Development programs train educators in arts-integrated teaching methods. Workshops focus on creative lesson planning, inclusive practices, and cultural responsiveness. This service equips 22 contracted teaching artists annually to deliver high-impact arts education across Detroit communities.
People
Laura Scales
CEO
Laura Scales is a dedicated arts facilitator and career counselor leading Living Arts as CEO. She co-hosts the Living in the Arts podcast, connecting emerging artists with industry professionals to foster career growth and creative development.
Stephanie Mae RichWell
Teaching Artist
Stephanie Mae RichWell is a teaching artist who values creative freedom and student-driven art practices. She builds trusting relationships with students, adapting her instruction to their interests while maintaining artistic excellence in Detroit's youth education programs.
Miryam Johnson
Teaching Artist
Miryam Johnson specializes in helping youth connect with their creative identities through media and performing arts. As a teaching artist, she emphasizes the importance of art in daily life and mentors students in developing sustainable artistic practices.
Questions
What programs does Living Arts Detroit offer?
We provide Detroit Wolftrap for early childhood, In-School Arts for K-12, Out-of-School Arts classes, parent workshops, and professional development for educators.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can join our Parent Council, attend family workshops, or participate in caregiver training programs to support their child's arts education.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, 94% of our Out-of-School Arts participants receive financial aid to ensure accessibility for all Detroit families.
How does Living Arts support teaching artists?
We offer professional development, creative freedom, and collaborative opportunities for 22 contracted teaching artists annually through mentorship and resource-sharing programs.
What impact has Living Arts made?
Over 25 years, we've served 1,129 students annually through 1,625 classroom sessions, fostering confidence and cultural pride in Detroit's youth through arts education.
