Since its founding in 2014, Arts Bridging the Gap has administered 900+ art classes for 2,030 young people and spearheaded the creation of 70 murals. The organization strongly believes that consistent, reliable programming is essential to system-level change; therefore, ABG’s work is codified into four primary programs (below) in deep collaboration with long-term partners.

Arts+Wellness — Built in response to compounding effects of COVID-19 on under resourced communities, this multidisciplinary program focuses on healing trauma and supporting high school students in developing their wellness and mindfulness. Aiming to spark empathy building, trauma healing, restorative justice, creative expression, and civic leadership, the students help select the art forms and societal issues explored, together. Each series of classes have a creative focus such as: Art for Social Change (Fairfax High School, LA High School, Maywood Academy High School), Culinary Arts (LA High School), and Urban Farming (LA High School).

LA Street Art Initiative — A socio-emotional arts program that gathers youth, artists, and community members together to design, co-create, and paint public murals. Aiming to install 150 murals across LA before 2025, this program empowers people to engage with their community, build understanding, and spark essential dialogue to support collective healing. The participants experience ABG’s Empathy Curriculum, and during the 5-8 week program, they grow in their confidence, awareness, and sense of ownership for how their art can create change in their community.

Futures Rewired — An after school program for 12-18 year old female-identifying, non-binary, and gender expansive youth that explores immersive technology as an interest and career path; this program is in residence at GALA: Girls Academic Leadership Academy.

PenPal Art Share — An art sharing program that connects ABG’s LA participants with youth across the globe.