Cynthia Smith Hearts Foundation Inc

The Cynthia Smith HeARTS Foundation, Inc. is a full-service, licensed not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching lives through the power of the arts. Guided by our slogan, “A place where the ARTS are in our heARTS,” we serve a diverse range of cultural and socio-economic communities across Miami-Dade County, Florida. The Foundation aims to provide access to a wide variety of artistic genres in multiple environments, including schools, community centers, and public events, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection to the arts.

The Foundation was created in honor of Cynthia Smith, a passionate advocate for lifelong learning who believed that the arts are essential to human development and well-being. Through her work, she inspired countless students, friends, and community members, and we aim to continue that legacy. Cynthia’s spirit lives on through the Foundation, which hopes to become a thriving heartbeat for her past students, friends, church family, and anyone whose life she touched.

Our programming spans a broad spectrum of the visual and performing arts, including folklore, drama, spoken word, dance, and music. We also offer hands-on arts and crafts such as drawing, painting, 3D machine design, sewing, fashion design, crocheting, knitting, architecture, cosmetology, culinary arts, and other forms of cultural expression. By introducing people to these diverse art forms, we hope to inspire creativity and open new pathways for personal growth, skill development, and economic opportunity.

The Foundation is especially committed to serving individuals from marginalized and under-resourced communities, as well as those who face systemic discrimination or social barriers. This includes people of color, individuals with disabilities, those in foster care, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We believe that the arts have unlimited potential to empower these individuals, offering them a safe space to express themselves and build confidence. Through art, participants can develop both practical and marketable skills, which can ultimately improve their economic prospects and well-being.

By providing access to the arts, we hope to address inequality at its root. The Foundation believes that art has the power to nurture resilience, promote positive life skills, and support mental and physical health. Art provides a platform for personal expression and is a means of addressing complex issues such as poverty, discrimination, and mental health, helping individuals to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

In response to the significant cuts to arts education in schools, we aim to provide alternative avenues for learning and growth through a variety of workshops and community events. By engaging with local artists and offering hands-on experiences, we will ensure that participants develop a lifelong love for the arts. Studies show that students involved in the arts often perform better academically, with higher GPAs, improved standardized test scores, and lower dropout rates. Our programs will help nurture a positive, thriving arts ecosystem, not just for our participants, but for the entire community.

Currently, the Foundation has launched a sewing machine group, and we are expanding our offerings to include cutting machine lessons (Cricut, Silhouette), painting sessions, a youth choir, dance classes, and African drum and steel band ensembles. These initiatives are not just about creating art—they are about empowering individuals with the confidence, resilience, and life skills needed to thrive. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where participants can discover their strengths, develop new talents, and build lasting relationships.

As Miami continues to evolve as a cultural hub, the Foundation is committed to cultivating a diverse and vibrant arts community that reflects the many cultures and languages that make up this city. Our vision extends beyond Miami, with plans to reach other countries and communities where Cynthia made an impact, such as Jamaica, her birthplace, and the Bahamas.

Your support—whether through financial contributions or involvement—will directly benefit individuals in our community, enabling them to experience the transformative power of the arts. With your help, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive, and vibrant Miami, and extend our reach to global communities. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We hope that through the Cynthia Smith HeARTS Foundation, we can equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to change their own worlds, and in turn, change the world for the better.