BACKGROUND:

A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is partnering with National City, the Pomegranate Center and a host of public and private agencies to implement Creating Vibrant Neighborhoods.  This Initiative will result in the creation of 30 signature projects over 3 years, training 60 artists in the Pomegranate Center methodology, employing 100+ high school youth apprentices, and engaging over 2,000 middle and elementary school students.

Through these apprenticeships, ARTS middle and high school youth will work with professional artists, designers, landscape architects, performers and composers to create 10 public works of art each year, including two community gathering places.  Projects will vary in size and scope, but all will utilize the Pomegranate Center model of community engagement. The Pomegranate Center is a nationally recognized leader in community building to make neighborhoods more livable, sustainable, just and socially engaged.

Creating Vibrant Neighborhoods projects may include 3-dimensional works of art, multi-media, performances and events, functional and aesthetic public art, and gathering places. Projects will transform underutilized and blighted areas into welcoming, inspiring public places to improve livability, health and safety.

To qualify to become a paid lead artist for Creating Vibrant Neighborhoods, ARTS and the Pomegranate Center are offering an six (6) day Fellows Training. This experiential learning training series and project-build will empower leaders to use art as a vehicle for community-building in National City and in their own neighborhoods.