Artists for a Cause, Inc.

Artists for a Cause helps visual and performing artists to use their talents for community improvement, stimulating culture, while addressing the critical needs of communities. Some programs help artists and charities to get the most out of their collaboration, while most produce results directly, by feeding the poor, healing the sick, or solving other problems through unique artistic solutions. Additionally, we never ask artist professionals in a struggling industry to donate or give away their livelihood. Our goal with every program is to utilize art as a catalyst, so that when we support artists' efforts, we turn those efforts into substantial gains to meet a community need. One such example is our "Dance for Food" program which creates opportunity for hundreds of dancers each season, and raises more than one dollar of food for every dollar spent on the program in order to fight poverty. A high percentage of audience members report that it is their first experience witnessing a live contemporary dance performance, but since their admission cost is just non-perishable food, the event is an accessible cultural opportunity for a larger segment. Another example, our "Therapeutic Arts" program, has over 100 scheduled events this season, and has the goal of using the arts for healing, serving children in at-risk communities, the elderly, mentally disabled children, and those who have experienced a loss. Art and music therapy are proven to be useful because of their inherent ability to surpass language barriers and achieve therapeutic gains in a safe environment for self-expression. No program is merely about art for arts' sake - Artists for a Cause is about the arts as a solution. Current programs include Dance for Food, Therapeutic Arts, Donated Instrument Closet, Classical for Schools, A4AC Scholarships, A4AC High School Clubs, and Benefit Performances - all of which improve communities through artistic endeavors.