Free Arts Days are one day “Festival of the arts” for children and families who live in group homes, treatment centers or homeless shelters. At these events, children are exposed to an array of art activities which allow them to explore their creative talents while forming a bond with a caring adult.

Free Arts Days are available to some of our partner facilities. These events take on a variety of forms depending on the location, theme, age of the participants and art organization we partner with. Free Arts has the unique opportunity to collaborate with local art organizations and museums. Previous Collaborators include Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Museum of History and Positive Network Alliance.

In 2008-2009, 1,059 youth participated in Free Arts Days. Free Arts of Arizona worked with 5 teaching artists and 5 art organizations for 9 events. The assistance and support of 799 volunteers made these series possible.

Curriculum
Each event is created with the art organization and Free Arts to serve the unique needs of the participating population. The number of youth invited to these events ranges from 20 to over 300 depending on the location and structure. The format usually includes an experiential educational piece, mini art workshop and time with a caring adult volunteer. Volunteer shifts can range from three to six hours.

Use of Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential piece of Free Arts Days and are vital to the success of this program. Each Free Arts Day is structure slightly different and volunteers can have two roles. One volunteer role is to be paired or “buddied” with a child or group of children during the entire event. As a buddy to a child your role is to be their special friend, encourage them to take risks, praise their accomplishments and have fun. And the other volunteer role is to facilitate and lead art activities with the participating children.

Corporate Volunteers
If a business or corporation is interested in participating in a Free Arts Day, a representative from the company should contact the Free Arts Program Staff. The Free Arts Program will then send out a Corporate Volunteer Free Arts Day Form for the Company Representative request participating an event. This Each volunteer will complete a brief volunteer application and will fax or email the applications to the Free Arts Program at least two weeks prior to the event. Before the event or on the day of the event the corporate volunteers will participate in a corporate volunteer orientation and training to learn tips and techniques for communicating with and supporting the children Free Arts serves.

Unique Features of this Program
Share a new experience of an art form
Creating a time of rest for the children
Inspire self-expression and creativity through fostering a non-judgmental environment
Exploration of local arts and cultural organizations
No activity planning necessary before hand just sign-up and come
Encouraging children to experience a sense of accomplishment through completing an art project

For more information or to volunteer, please call 602.258.8100 or email info@freeartsaz.org.
 

Free Arts Days Quotes

"Dancing at the Free Arts Day was one of the first times I really felt free." – Free Arts Day Participant
"I learned that I can help my family work together and learn how to share with one another." – Free Arts Day Participant
"I really enjoyed getting to know my buddy and hearing her stories." - Free Arts Day Volunteer