Urban ArtWorks
WE ARE A WASHINGTON STATE BASED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO ENGAGE YOUTH, ARTISTS, AND COMMUNITIES IN THE CREATION OF PUBLIC ART THAT INSPIRES CONNECTIONS AND HONORS THEIR VOICES.
As a nonprofit, we rely on the generous giving of our community to continue to offer our youth art programs.
EST. 1995
In over 25 years of service to Washington State, we have collaborated with thousands of youth, professional artists and community volunteers to create public art installations in over 30 Seattle neighborhoods and 20 Washington cities.
We envision a world where all people have access to the transformative power of creating public art.
WE ACHIEVE OUR MISSION AND VISION THROUGH FOUR KEY PROGRAMS
Mural Apprentice Program
(MAP) provides paid arts-based employment training for youth who face systemic barriers to the arts, education, and employment. Teens work together with professional teaching artists to learn basic art skills, research, design, and install murals throughout King County and beyond.
Base Crew
The Base Crew provides paid year-round mentorship and training for teens who have completed the Mural Apprentice Program who wish to deepen their arts and design experience. This program is a pathway for youth to become future muralists, teaching artists, and arts leaders.
School-based Programs
We customize projects to support an arts-integrated curriculum where K-12 students work alongside professional Teaching Artists to explore themes, design, and install art in their schools.
Commissioned and Community Murals
We work with community organizations and business owners to facilitate interactive community engagement around the research, design, and installation of murals and public art in specific communities.
Testimonials
“I think Urban ArtWorks definitely helped me realize the value of mentorship so I’m very grateful I was able to experience that. I’d love to stay connected, it’s definitely important to keep in touch with uplifting and supportive people.”
– Youth Apprentice
“The whole program and this opportunity is great, especially in times like this. It is great for communication, free expression, and creativity.”
– Youth Apprentice
“Our Polack Food Bank received a makeover this weekend! Here’s to bringing beauty to the world at a time when we could all use it.”
– Jewish Family Services
“As an artist, drawing in my sketchbook to painting a mural is insane. It feels like I am making a difference and feels like I am a real artist.”
– Youth Apprentice
“We had an amazing Community Paint Day! We’re so glad we were able to give our families the opportunity to create something beautiful (and fun!) together!”
– Mary’s Place
Recent Mural Projects
Here are a few of our most recent and favorite urban art projects.
Visit our services page to learn about how we can bring a mural to life in your community.
MURAL LOCATIONS
Want to see our projects in person? Find our work with this interactive mural map.
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