Dear Friends of Free Arts,
One of the things that I learned from former Free Arts Executive Director Alicia Sutton Campbell was that it is a privilege to know that “no one thinks Free Arts is a bad idea.” I have had this experience often as I share with individuals and groups and see the sheer delight come across their faces when they learn that Free Arts exists. However, in some crucial ways, parts of Free Arts are being impacted by perceptions and policies about what makes an organization good, bad, or even necessary.
Recent changes in federal funding threaten the programs, partners, and participants of Free Arts. The organization receives 20% of its revenue directly from federal sources or sources using federal pass-through dollars (they receive grants that require them to distribute the dollars to other organizations).
These changes affect our partner agencies, too. Foster care agencies and shelters rely extensively on federal funding, which supports children in out-of-home care. Free Arts trauma-informed arts programming offers powerful and practical experiences that help stabilize children, teens, and families. Together, we create new futures.
Misconceptions around social justice and D.E.I. efforts target participants, stakeholders, and staff at Free Arts. Here is some important context about our organization: 78% of participants identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or a person of color), and a significant percentage identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Free Arts holds belonging, inclusion, and radical acceptance as key elements of building personal and psychological safety. I believe that efforts to distort perceptions and stigmatize people’s identities are a threat not only to the population we serve but to our organization.
When I took on leading Free Arts in the fall of 2023, I quoted a line from the Beastie Boys in a staff meeting because it’s fun, artistic, and true. “I do what I do professionally, to tell the truth, I’m exactly what I want to be”—from Pass the Mic. Many of you aspire to the same level of self-awareness, which has drawn you to be an artist, a mentor, a donor, a staff member, and even a little of all four. Free Arts transforms trauma to resilience through the arts as profession for some, but it is a calling for all. Our collective work requires consistent community support.
Today, I am asking for your support because I know you care. Here is how you can help keep our mission—and calling—alive and well. While we ended last year on solid financial ground, we are now facing challenging headwinds. Can we call on you for a donation, ensuring our ability to serve youth and families?
Also, I see an opportunity to remind each other that Free Arts is a “good idea” and that as long as there are children who endure abuse, neglect, and homelessness, we, as a community of compassion, will be able to serve them.
Our work has been incredibly stressful for the past couple of weeks. The staff and volunteer team are frequently tired and stressed while continuing to make trauma-informed spaces to connect and create. Your words and acts of encouragement matter.
The participants in our programs have endured more than their share of adversity and trauma. They deserve a healing-centered community like Free Arts. However, the question remains whether our society will cherish “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for all—or just some. Your support will make all the difference.
Matt Sandoval, LMSW, MEd
Chief Executive Officer
