Affiliated with the national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect young people with diverse arts and creative experiences, and make the arts abundantly accessible in their schools and communities.
We envision a world where arts and creativity are valued as essential, and abundantly accessible to all.
Our passionate staff and roster of 100+ artists partner with schools and community spaces to provide residencies, workshops, performances, and career connections, and to train teachers and artists in the art of teaching with, through, and about the arts.
Each year we serve more than 50,000 students in 27 school districts across Portland Metro, SW Washington, and Central Oregon with high-quality arts integration and enrichment programs that inspire, connect, and transform young people’s learning experiences.
Learn more about our shift from Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington to Arts for Learning NW
Our Values
Creativity is Essential
We believe joy, curiosity, and creativity are the foundation for learning, innovation, and new ways of thinking.
Diverse Voices, Inclusive Spaces
We believe in centering a diversity of thought, experience, and perspectives, and working together to create liberatory spaces where all can thrive.
Arts for All
We believe arts, culture, and creative expression are human rights, and should be welcoming and accessible for all people.
Interconnectedness
We believe that collaboration is vital to creative and equitable work, and relationships in our community should be rooted in care, connection, respect, and support.
Our Programs
The core of the work we do is connecting a roster of talented teaching artists with schools for artist residencies, workshops and performances. These programs can be designed to fit the specific needs of a school.
In-school Programs
For Professionals
Our Learning Network
Arts for Learning Northwest (formerly Young Audiences of Oregon and SW Washington) is affiliated with the national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network. Founded in 1952, the mission of Young Audiences Arts for Learning is to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. Our network is made up of local affiliated nonprofits that collectively impact over 5 million young people each year. The national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network works collaboratively to advance arts in education through advocacy, communications, fundraising, program development, professional learning, and other support.
To explore our national network, please visit: www.youngaudiences.org/YA-network-map
