COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM
Community Projects
WJA is deeply committed to nurturing innovative ideas at the intersection of social justice and the arts. In addition to the Prison Arts Project, we sponsor several projects that are compatible with our mission.
Since 1994, the Community Youth Arts Project (CYAP) has provided quality, in-depth arts experiences for high risk youth, in the belief that participation in the artistic process positively affects their view of themselves and the world around them.
Santa Cruz Jail Arts brings art classes to men and women incarcerated in Santa Cruz County jails. In response to the passage of California’s AB209 (aka Realignment), which brought low level offenders from state prisons to county jails to serve 3-5 year terms, our jail arts classes offer incarcerated people an opportunity to create art, music and poetry in a supportive space, sharing their work with a diverse group. This work is supported by grants from Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Office of Education and individual donations.
Unlocking hearts and minds with bold, original theatre, the Poetic Justice Project advances social justice by engaging formerly incarcerated youth and adults in art education, mentoring and the creation of original theatre that examines crime, punishment and redemption. Founded by poet and playwright Deborah Tobola in 2009, PJP is based in San Luis Obispo County.
The William James Association Fiscal Sponsorship Program assists emerging nonprofit groups and community organizations by providing grant-related administrative support, tax-exempt status, and fiscal sponsorship.
Community Youths Arts Program (CYAP)
At the heart of CYAP’s approach lies the recognition that these arts experiences go far beyond simple creative outlets. They serve as catalysts for personal growth, instilling essential qualities such as responsibility, self-discipline, creative problem-solving, and cooperation. As participants engage in the artistic process, they embark on a transformative journey that nurtures their self-esteem and cultivates a positive worldview.
CYAP was born in 1994 under the auspices of the William James Association, building upon our remarkable 17-year success with the Prison Arts Project. Drawing from our expertise in empowering incarcerated individuals through art, we recognized the immense potential to extend our impact to at-risk youth. With this realization, CYAP emerged as a natural progression, dedicated to providing high-quality and in-depth arts experiences that resonate with young minds.
What is CYAP?
The Community Youth Arts Project (CYAP) was created to provide quality, in-depth arts experiences for at-risk youth, in the belief that participation in the artistic process positively affects their view of themselves and the world around them. Hands-on, visual, literary and performing arts programs, are facilitated by the project. Such experiences satisfy the human need for creativity, recognition and respect. Participants develop qualities such as responsibility, self-discipline, creative problem-solving and cooperation. The depth and quality of arts instruction is essential to the success of the program. At the heart of CYAP’s approach lies the recognition that these arts experiences go far beyond simple creative outlets. They serve as catalysts for personal growth, instilling essential qualities such as responsibility, self-discipline, creative problem-solving, and cooperation.
Dedicated to providing enriching arts experiences for at-risk youth, the Community Youth Arts Project (CYAP) emerged with a profound mission at its core. Our belief is that engaging in the artistic process has the remarkable ability to shape and enhance young individuals’ perception of themselves and the world around them. By offering hands-on opportunities in visual, literary, and performing arts, CYAP facilitates an immersive artistic journey for participants, catering to their innate human need for creativity, recognition, and respect.
We understand that the depth and quality of arts instruction are pivotal to the success of our program. As such, CYAP strives to offer comprehensive and engaging instruction in a wide range of artistic disciplines. Whether participants delve into painting, poetry, dance, or theater, they are exposed to a rich tapestry of artistic expression that stimulates their imagination and fosters their personal growth.
Through CYAP, we aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where young individuals can explore their artistic potential, express their unique voices, and discover the transformative power of their own creativity. By providing access to high-quality arts education, we empower youth to transcend limitations, overcome challenges, and embark on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal fulfillment.
CYAP Participant in Pele Fleming’s fiber arts class
See how artists are supporting youth to break out of the school to prison pipeline and build bridges with the community in this great article by J.M. Brown for the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County.
Community Youth Arts Project (CYAP) brings artists to the alternative education high schools in Santa Cruz County. These students face learning difficulties, attention deficits, domestic violence, poverty, homelessness, gang affiliation, legal and substance abuse issues. Were it not for the this project, they probably would not otherwise get to experience the arts in meaningful, hands-on classes with professional artists.
We honor a commitment to our local community and to diverting youth at risk of entering the criminal justice system through our through our Community Youth Arts Project. CYAP is 25 year partnership with Alternative Education of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education that brings fine artists into Alt Ed High Schools throughout the county. Our innovative classes range from fiber arts to digital music classes featuring young musicians from UCSC.
