Beyond Belief Network Guides: Artists for Humanity

Artists for Humanity was Foundation Beyond Belief’s (FBB) Quarter 3, 2015 Education beneficiary for the Humanist Giving program. As with all FBB beneficiaries, Artists for Humanity was chosen based on compatibility with the FBB mission, program effectiveness, financial responsibility, and an innovative approach to solving a problem. Artist for Humanity’s mission is to “bridge economic, racial, and social divisions by providing under-resourced urban youth with the keys to self- sufficiency through paid employment in art and design.” You can use this guide for service event ideas to help Artists for Humanity’s goals.

Artist for Humanity’s Work

Artists for Humanity employs 250+ Boston teens annually in paid apprenticeship in the visual arts and creative industries. Students receive stipends, as well as a multitude of opportunities to develop their artistic skills. While students are supported within their personal artistic inspiration, they are also encouraged to explore other media. STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) curriculum is used in 3D media and other endeavors throughout the organization. Students are employees, working with mentors who guide them from the creative process through the business of the art world.

Event Ideas

These suggested ideas are intended to inspire Beyond Belief Network teams looking for potential events.

Tasty Decorations. One group activity that is family friendly is baking and/or decorating cookies or other goodies for a local shelter. A great event for upcoming holidays. Non-bakers can participate by creating art that can be used to decorate the shelter.

Teach. This event is perfect for artistically-inclined volunteers. Offer to teach an art lesson(s). This can include painting, sculpting, origami, or other artistic mediums. Figure out beforehand who your target audience will be and what supplies you’ll require. While the lessons themselves can be free, request a small donation. Display the finished creations at a public location if possible.

Get Creative. Plan a night where people read portions of books written by their favorite authors. For each participant that pledges to read, collect a donation. If your volunteer group is part of Beyond Belief Network and donates the proceeds to Artists for Humanity, the event would be considered as a Foundation Partners Program event, which means it will count as two events. BBN teams supporting our current and past Humanist Giving Program beneficiaries financially connects FBB programs in a new way and is a perfect for teams looking to quickly raise their BBN team level!

Our beneficiaries enjoy hearing how FBB connects their organization with others, so submit your report and we can tell them about your work. Foundation Beyond Belief’s Humanist Giving Program issued a grant in total of $9,910 through the generosity of our regular monthly donors. Becoming a regular monthly donor will enable the Humanist Giving Program to give larger grants in the future.

Follow Artists for Humanity and their work through their website, Facebook and Twitter.