With support from the California Arts Council, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation’s Writerz Blok arts education program will engage 75 youth, ages 12-22, who are in detention at the East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, in graffiti arts. The program’s workshops enable youth to discover their artistic interests and talents through graffiti arts education, technique instruction, and practice time – all culminating in witnessing the creation of a mural by a professional graffiti artist.
JCNI works in the areas of physical redevelopment, arts and creative placemaking, and economic development. The internationally renowned Writerz Blok program originated as a graffiti prevention and urban arts education program in 1999. Writerz Blok employee artists educate youth about the difference between graffiti art and vandalism, while providing arts education and instruction in schools, in community locations, and in youth detention facilities. JCNI’s other arts programming (cultural celebrations and performances, visual and public art) supports community engagement and cohesion and is implemented in partnership with local community organizations and artists. Jacobs Presents is a series of performances and cultural experiences enjoyed by residents at JCNI venues including the Arts Park, Market Creek Amphitheater, Celebration Hall at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Community Center, and elsewhere on the Jacobs campus.

