The mission of the Youth Arts Corps is to utilize the fine arts to inspire youth to realize their potential.

Youth Arts Corps offers services based on positive youth development philosophy including:

• afterschool and job training programs
• artists' residencies in alternative settings
• training and program development
• presentation of creative works in the community
  

The Youth Arts Corps at Wildwood is a free afterschool art and employment program for Pinellas County youth, ages 13 to 17. Arts workshops take place in fully equipped studios at the Wildwood Community Center, 1000 28th Street South, St. Petersburg. Corps youth complete arts-based community service projects and experience local art and culture through field trips to area museums, galleries, artists' studios and performance venues. Youth can participate as members or as paid apprentices and assistants through the job training component.

  Artists Residency Program

Youth Arts Corps places literary, visual and performing artists in community and juvenile justice program settings to facilitate workshops with youth, ages 10 - 17. The program serves youth throughout Pinellas. Artists spend a minimum of three months meeting twice a week with youth. Current and former residency sites include juvenile detention centers, runaway shelters, community youth programs, neighborhood family centers, recreation centers and residential treatment programs.

  Quilts

Youth Arts Corps QUILTS! is an afterschool and summer arts program for girls, ages 8 - 17, who live in the midtown St. Petersburg area. Girls learn the art of quilt making with a focus on African American, storytelling and contemporary designs. Workshops in visual arts are offered to add various visual elements to the quilted and sewn works. Field trips to area galleries, museums, quilt shops and cultural events are planned regularly. The program is located in the Youth Arts Corps at Wildwood Studios, 1000 28th Street South, St. Petersburg.

  Training & Program Development

Youth Arts Corps staff, artists and youth members are available for consultation, training and presentations to youth-serving organizations and artists interested in implementing or working in a youth-development-focused arts program.

Established in 1997 by Pinellas County Cultural Affairs (then Pinellas County Arts Council), the Youth Arts Corps became a program of Family Resources, Inc. on October 1, 2004. Major funding is provided by the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, the National Endowment for the Arts, Florida Department of State Florida Arts Council, Pinellas Board of County Commissioners and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Continuing in the role of a program partner, Pinellas County Cultural Affairs serves on the Youth Arts Corps Advisory Committee.

For more information visit www.youthartscorps.org.