With support from the California Arts Council, RICHMOND ART CENTER will expand Art Club, a free visual arts program for Richmond teens (ages 13–18). Art Club offers a safe, inclusive “third space” where youth can create, connect, and build community. Richmond is a racially diverse, working-class city where over half of residents speak a language other than English at home. Art Club primarily serves BIPOC, immigrant, undocumented, LGBTQ+, and low-income teens attending local public schools. Weekly sessions, led by Teaching Artists, feature hands-on projects in painting, printmaking, clay, and more. The culturally responsive curriculum, aligned with VAPA standards and district arts goals, supports both artistic and personal development. Lessons incorporate social-emotional learning and identity exploration, helping teens feel seen, heard, and supported in a space where they can thrive.
Arts Education: Our arts education program offers art classes to adults, youth, kids and families; on-site in our six studios, and off-site in local schools and community spaces. This includes providing free in-school and after-school arts tuition to K-12 students at local West Contra Costa Unified School District schools. Other arts education initiatives include a paid professional development series for educators, free family day celebrations, youth art tours of exhibitions, Summer Art Camp for Kids, and youth intensive classes.
Exhibitions and Events: Exhibitions and public programs feature work by established, early career and aspiring artists. The goal of our exhibition program is to introduce new artists, artwork and perspectives on art; engage Richmond audiences; enhance the visibility of underrepresented groups/artists; and serve as a catalyst for community interaction. Long term community exhibition partnerships include The Art of Living Black/Art of the African Diaspora (since 1997), and the WCCUSD Art Show (since 1965).

