Artistic Noise: Expanding Our Impact

A young person leaves Rikers Island and walks into our Harlem studio. They sit down, pick up a brush, and begin again. Years later, some of those same young people return as teachers, mentors, and staff. That arc is not accidental. It is our mission.

Impact Snapshot

• 25+ years serving system-impacted young people in New York City

• 500+ participants served annually

• $17.50/hour paid studio wages

• $56,000+ paid directly to youth artists in 2025

• 465 cases dismissed through ATI programming in 2025

• 50%+ of Artistic Noise staff are former participants

• 100% of artwork-sale proceeds go directly to the artists

From Participant to Working Artist

Bishop, 28
Art & Entrepreneurship Alum and Former Alumni Artist-in-Residence

“Before joining Artistic Noise, my life was very unstable. I was in and out of juvenile group homes, in and out of court, and constantly getting into trouble.

I first connected with Artistic Noise through an art therapist who visited me on Rikers Island. Earning a regular paycheck gave me something to look forward to and a place to connect with people who shared my interests. I sold my first piece of artwork at my first show with Artistic Noise.

Becoming the first Alumni Artist-in-Residence was a major milestone. Through connections I made during my residency, I met artist Jared Owens. Now I’m his mentee and work out of his studio at the World Trade Center.

Without Artistic Noise, my life could have gone in a much more negative direction. I’m grateful I found this community.”

Stories like Bishop's are possible because Artistic Noise stays invested in young people over time – from their first experience in the studio through opportunities to develop as artists, earn income, exhibit their work, and become leaders. 

Your gift helps make that long-term investment possible.

• $25 supports one week of MetroCards for a participant traveling to and from Artistic Noise.
• $50 provides professional-grade acrylic paints, a large canvas, and brushes.
• $100 stocks the participant's hygiene closet for one month.
• $250 provides a biweekly paycheck for an Art & Entrepreneurship participant
• $500 provides one month's stipend for an Alumni Artist-in-Residence
• $1,000 provides the supplies needed for one month of artmaking

Want to make your impact ongoing? A monthly gift of $25, $50, or $100 provides reliable support Artistic Noise can count on throughout the year.

Your support makes this work possible. Make a gift today – or become a monthly donor – and invest in the next generation of Artistic Noise artists.