Programs

Community Arts Programs … Internship Program … Theatre/Dance Productions … Events … Arts for Humanity! provides performing and visual arts programs directly to the participants of local non profit agencies

AH! has collaborated with many local organizations to reach our broad constituency. Our collaborators have included the Alpha Resource Center, Boys and Girls Clubs, Cottage Rehabilitation Institute, Garden Court, Isla Vista Teen Center, Noah’s Anchorage, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara High School District, The Arts Fund, Transition Program, Transition House, Teen Extreme, UCSB, and Westmont College.

AH!’s extensive outreach offers ongoing educational and therapeutic arts programs. We also provide unique opportunities to artists with developmental disabilities by engaging them as performers in our productions. This experience not only gives these artists an opportunity to shine, it also elevates audience appreciation for the wide range of talents and abilities of so-called “disabled” people.

“I have had the privilege of viewing Arts for Humanity’s art and theatre work. These productions are one of the most successful avenues that I am aware of, in helping the general public recognize and appreciate the abilities rather than the disabilities of this population. Ms. Gould’s work is gentle and approached with the utmost respect and yet has a profound effect. Her highly creative approach allows the performer’s disability to be neither hidden nor highlighted. It simply becomes a uniquely beautiful part of the performance. It is my belief that Arts for Humanity!’s work will help this population to be viewed in this respectful and inclusive way, not only on stage, but everywhere in their lives.”
- Dee Duncan. Executive Director, “New Directions for people with disabilities”

Internship Program

Our Internship Program trains the next generation of community leaders and artists through interfacing, social service, and the arts. Interns assist Arts for Humanity! in many ways, as teachers, performers, artists, photographers, videographers, and with development and outreach, PR and marketing. These special students enrich themselves while changing the lives of others.

Arts for Humanity! Internship Program provides programs that allow people from diverse backgrounds and abilities to join together through education, artistic activities, events, and performances. AH! interns gain invaluable hands-on experience as they are exposed to our various constituencies, expanding their world view, and in turn, our groups benefit tremendously from these inclusive, uplifting experiences. Academic credit is available for participants who complete an internship.

Community Expressive Arts Programs

Arts for Humanity!’s artists-in-residence create positive experiences for groups at non-profit agencies through interactive arts such as creative theatre, expressive movement, visual art and video documentaries.

Ongoing groups positively affecting the lives of people at centers such as:

* AH!’s Community Expressive Arts Programs, learn about the groups we provide for the community, click here

Community Events 

Through the years AH! has provided  arts opportunities and performances at public art events such as the Inaugural Rosa Parks Day, Chalk 4 Piece, Summer Solstice, I Madonnari, and the Santa Barbara Festival of Art. These are wonderful free public arts events, where thousands of people are touched by the arts. In recent years Arts for Humanity! has collaborated with community partners where we provide Spontaneous Theatre and Portraits for Youth.  This is a delightful opportunity wherein AH! interns provide children of all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to interact with each other as they dress in costumes and use props for spontaneous theatre and imaginative play.  The children also get a thrill out of having their portraits taken as part of this event.  We are currently providing this program at 8 local community events, supporting Santa Barbara’s non-profits. Our partners include:

• Special Olympics (Santa Barbara & Ventura)
• The Children’s Festival
• Family Service Agency
• Isla Vista Teen Center Spring Fest
• Goleta Lemon Festival
• Summer Solstice in the Park
• SPARC
• Just Communities