Youth Art Month or Arts Education month is celebrated each March to emphasize the importance of art education for children of all ages and to encourage support for quality art programs in schools. It was started by the Art & Creative Materials Institute Inc. (ACMI) in 1961.

Today this annual observance is celebrated nationwide.  With many communities and schools taking time to highlight various artists, works of art and enabling youth to express themselves. 

In celebration of Arts Education Month, take some time this month and visit some of the organizations and institutions dedicated to the arts in the city.

• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Institute of Contemporary Art
• Gross McCleaf Gallery
• Art Star
• The Philadelphia Alliance (oldest multidisciplinary arts center in the US)

Another great organization in Philadelphia is the Mural Arts Program.  More than 3,000 youth ages 10-21 participate in the art’s education program and workshops each year.  Participants in the program are gaining valuable skills such as: how to build and maintain relationships, leadership skills and how to work as a team all while making our city beautiful! These are very important skills students need to be productive citizens in society. 

Because of the efforts of past and present students, instructors and all involved with the Mural Arts Program, 2,700 murals have been produced through out the city making Philadelphia have the most murals in the world.

To learn more about the Mural Arts Program log onto www.muralarts.org

If you would like to make a donation or give your time consider one of the organizations above or give to the “Life through the Lens” photography program sponsored by the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation in conjunction with the School District of Philadelphia.