Programs
Annually, Groundswell engages over 800 young people, primarily aged 14 to 21, in the creation of upwards of 50 public art projects across New York City in partnership with community-based organizations, public schools, local businesses, and government agencies.
Groundswell is committed to making the arts a solid and significant part of the education process in New York City public schools and the community. To do this, we engage the hearts, minds, and imaginations of our participants so that they can gain the inspiration, tools, and agency to take ownership of their futures.
Annually, Groundswell engages over 800 young people, primarily aged 14 to 21, in the creation of upwards of 50 public art projects across New York City in partnership with community-based organizations, public schools, local businesses, and government agencies.
Each mural residency is designed and overseen by an experienced Groundswell Lead Artist, supported by an emerging Assistant Artist. Through hands-on artmaking opportunities, the mural team creates its own visual language and vocabulary of images, colors, and gestures. Groundswell’s professional artists are then responsible for integrating these visual ideas into a single mural composition, with its own artistic integrity.
Our programs provide participants with enhanced learning opportunities that result in visible change to the community environment, supporting our mission to use art as a tool for positive social change for a more just and equitable world.
Groundswell's Programs
Summer Leadership Institute
The Summer Leadership Institute is Groundswell's flagship summer jobs program that employs youth as apprentice artists from July to August to create beautiful large-scale works of public art throughout New York City.
Studio Programs
Groundswell’s Studio Programs are a highly diverse series of youth art development opportunities hosted at our Gowanus studio. They offer a suite of opportunities for youth to develop the skills necessary for a creative practice.
Community Commissions
Through our community commissions, Groundswell is commissioned by community groups, non-profit organizations, and public agencies to develop unique partnerships rooted in our collaborative artmaking process.
School-Based Programs
Through our school-based mural residency program, Groundswell creates access to challenging, standards-based visual arts learning for public school students through the research, design, and fabrication of public artworks.
Special Initiatives
Through multi-project special initiatives, Groundswell works with community organizations to coordinate and present a series of mural projects that build toward long-term and meaningful change around a target social justice and equity issue.
