Grantee Database
Institute of Inquiry
Grant Year
2025-26
Grant Program
Arts and Youth
Award Amount
$18,255.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, Institute of Inquiry will implement Creative Fields, a 28-week arts apprenticeship program that uplifts transitional-aged youth in the Morongo Basin while providing employment and professional to creative professionals. The program fosters self-esteem, community and artistic identity for youth who often face systemic barriers to arts and career education due to mental health or socioeconomic factors. Through 115 hours of immersive studio workshops in disciplines including fiber arts, woodworking, ceramics, photography, and theater, Creative Fields offers a transformative learning opportunity rooted in mentorship, creative discovery, and collaboration. In parallel, Teaching Artists receive values-based employment, and training in youth-centered, trauma-informed curriculum design. The program culminates in an exhibition celebrating youth voice and resilience, and providing avenues for creative confidence, and stable careers—for participants and the teaching artists who guide them.
Organization Summary
The Institute of Inquiry is a community-rooted nonprofit in the high deserts of the Morongo Basin, serving youth and families through dynamic, arts and nature-based education since 2017. We are committed to the long-term health of our vibrant but underserved region, and center youth voice, curiosity, and stewardship of our desert ecosystem across all programming. Our work cultivates a lifelong love of learning in children and families who have been historically excluded from culturally responsive, high-quality educational opportunities. Since 2020, we have expanded our mission to include accessible career pathways in the Arts and Early Childhood Education—two sectors with deep potential for community transformation and wellbeing.
Our programs include:
1. Early Childhood Education Program
Our child-led, arts- and nature-based early childhood program serves children ages 3–7 and their families. Rooted in artistic exploration, play, and forest school models, the curriculum focuses on foundational skill building in social-emotional growth, emergent literacy, and environmental stewardship. With small class sizes and deep family engagement, we deliver responsive, inclusive education that is developmentally-appropriate and honors children’s voices.
2. Creative Fields Program (begins Oct 2025)
This 28-week arts education and workforce mentorship program for transitional-aged youth (ages 14–18). Youth work directly with a cohort of Teaching Artists in disciplines such as weaving, ceramics, fiber arts, woodworking, performance, and visual arts. The program offers over 100 hours of hands-on instruction and mentorship, culminating in a youth-driven final exhibition. Central program goals are to provide accessible learning environments, expand access to progressive arts education and career paths, while providing sustainable, values-based employment development for creative professionals.
3. Workforce Development in Arts & Education
We build sustainable career pipelines through teaching and mentorship opportunities that include:
· Teaching Artist Residencies
· Student-teaching opportunities for community college students
· Highly-supported early childhood educator positions
Organization
Institute of Inquiry
Address
6875 VALLEY VIEW DRIVE
Twentynine Palms
92277
County
San Bernardino
Region
Inland Empire
Phone
(760) 206-6026
