Artistic Noise exists to bring the freedom and power of artistic practice to young people who are incarcerated, on probation, or otherwise involved in the justice system.
Through visual arts and entrepreneurship programs in Massachusetts and New York, Artistic Noise participants give voice to their experiences, build community through collaborative projects, and learn valuable life and job skills. Artistic Noise creates safe spaces where court-involved youth can be seen, heard and supported on their path to adulthood. Artistic Noise believes the practice of making art offers opportunities for young people and communities to transform.
By working with youth both in state custody and back in the community, Artistic Noise provides continuity for young people who are often experiencing trauma and upheaval in their lives. Our staff of teaching artists and licensed art therapists works with our participants to create safe, challenging spaces for creative expression. Using a variety of artistic mediums, youth explore themes such as friendship, loss, sexual violence, community, freedom, identity and their dreams for the future. This structured art making fosters critical thinking and problem solving skills that are beneficial to the teens’ healthy psychological development.
Artistic Noise is celebrating their 15th Anniversary this year! Every year Artistic Noise hosts a professional public art exhibition of artwork created in their programs. This year’s art exhibit titled Infinite Revolution will also include some of the most powerful works created throughout their 15 years. The exhibit is organized and run entirely by Artistic Noise’s Art, Entrepreneurship and Curatorial Program. This job skills training program, in which youth are hired and paid staff, is supported through Variety’s grant program.
Here is the curatorial statement written by the youth curators:
We are the voices of the future.
We are thoughts, interconnected.
We are judged.
We are forgotten.
We are drained of voice.
We are powerless, mistreated.
We are unknown.
We are hated.
We are killed.
We are underestimated minds,
We are talent, unbridled.
We are optimistic sculptures.
We are courage.
We are human. Hear us make artistic noise.
Written by: Angel, Briana, Bishop, Eli, Jackiee, Kasey and Marcus
Come out June 23rd to Artistic Noise’s 15th Anniversary Art Exhibition.
Come celebrate our history and join our future.
Infinite Revolution
Opening Reception | June 23rd 6-8pm (free and open to the public)
For information on our ticketed champagne toast prior to public exhibition visit our website: artisticnoise.org
Commons Gallery | NYU
34 Stuyvesant St
Exhibition will run June 23rd-June 27th