Project Renaissance is an arts and advocacy program that supports local so called “at risk” youth to draw upon their creativity to express themselves, learn about different cultures and share their stories via their art. Local artists bring a variety of arts processes to the open studio events and the teens produce art that is then exhibited at the community level.  Art is one of the most powerful antecedents to social dialogue.  The vision of Project Renaissance is to not only support youth participants, but also to create a community that becomes more enlightened to the issues that exist in the lives of today’s youth.  The dialogue that ensues as a result of this process has the potential to turn individual stories into powerful lessons that ultimately promote social justice.

 The curriculum was developed for the project by founder Angela Kelly, as the result of a two-year longitudinal dissertation study of several contemporary arts based youth development programs in the United States. The background research for this curriculum also included studies of arts based programs in different cultures, particularly Italy, where the arts are an integral part of educational curriculums for youth. The practice of art as therapy is common in Europe and is often utilized in program models designed to support youth.

Teens express themselves creatively as they have the opportunity to try photography, painting, sculpture, filmmaking, ceramics, music, theater, & leadership skills training, as well as the mentorship of artists, University of California at Santa Barbara interns & community volunteers in a studio based experiential process. During this open studio, teens learn firsthand the benefits of engaging in cross-cultural dialogues by addressing current societal events via their artistic work.   An important fact about the project is that no artistic skills, talents or experience is necessary. The only requirement for participation is enthusiasm.

Project Renaissance has received grants from the California Endowment’s local opportunity fund for $50,000 in 2003 and $50,000 in 2004. Project Renaissance has received grants and support from the County Board of Supervisor’s, Human Relations Commission of SLO, SLO Co. Community Foundation, The Swift Foundation, The Glikbarg foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of So. SLO County, the Community Center at California Polytechnic State University, and The Pay it Forward Foundation. Project Renaissance's Santa Barbara site has recently received a three year grant from the California Endowment for $137,000. We have also received grants from the Santa Barbara Foundation's Irvine fund ,the City of Santa Barbara's Arts Commission and 15,000 from the Santa Barbara Foundation as well as many other grants and contributions from the community of Santa Barbara. Project Renaissance is incredibly grateful to everyone who helps support our vision of a more peaceful community where both youth and the arts continue to flourish!

Our History:

A big THANKS to SB City Parks & Recreation  for sponsoring us with a weekly site for our open art studios!