ArtReach will lead a youth-driven mural project at Palomar Elementary School in Chula Vista, a community identified as high-priority on the California Healthy Places Index. Through after-school workshops, ArtReach Teaching Artists will guide students in exploring identity, culture, and community through visual storytelling and collaborative design. Youth will work alongside a lead mural artist and teen mural artist apprentices to co-create a large-scale mural that reflects their shared vision. The project will include a community paint day and culminate in a public dedication event.
CAC funds will support artist wages, stipends for teen mural artist apprentices, mural and workshop supplies, and event materials. This project will provide equitable access to high-quality arts learning while fostering transformation of space, collaboration, pride, self-expression, and creative leadership for youth who have historically lacked access to the arts.
ArtReach San Diego is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to visual arts education for youth, especially those from under-resourced schools and communities.
ArtReach offers the following programs:
In-School Programs: These programs utilize an inquiry-based, standards-aligned, and sequential curriculum designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. With a strong focus on supporting social-emotional learning goals, the lessons help students build confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness through artistic exploration.
Mural Programs: ArtReach engages youth in collaborative public art projects, where they design and create large-scale murals that promote teamwork, community pride, and artistic achievement. Additionally, ArtReach offers commercial mural projects that provide youth apprentices with real-world work experience, helping to support reduced-cost murals for Title I schools.
Community Programs: ArtReach hosts accessible art workshops and classes for families and individuals in a variety of settings, including our two in-house art studios, libraries, and community centers. These workshops focus on process-based techniques led by local artists, creating opportunities for authentic connection through the arts.
ArtReach employs local artists as teaching artists, ensuring that its programs not only deliver valuable arts education but also support the local creative economy. These programs are offered county-wide, providing free or low-cost services to Title I schools and underserved communities across San Diego County.

