The Manton Avenue Project

The Manton Avenue Project (MAP) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of young people in Providence's Olneyville neighborhood, one of the city's lowest-income communities.

Mission and Vision

MAP's mission is to unleash the unique potential of children by uniting them with professional theater artists to create original theater. The organization emphasizes providing opportunities for these young people, particularly during a time when arts programs are often absent from public school curricula. Through the creation of original theater, MAP helps young people find the value of their voice, work towards achieving a goal, and experience the rewards of their hard work, including the applause and recognition from live audiences[1][3][4].

Programs

MAP operates as an afterschool program, focusing on playwriting and theater arts. Young participants, aged 8 to 18, develop and write original plays that express their experiences and understanding of the world. These plays are professionally produced and performed for public audiences. The program is tuition-free, ensuring accessibility for all participants[1][3][5].

Model and Impact

MAP's work is centered on the nationally recognized model of Creative Youth Development (CYD), which emphasizes supporting young people's stories and ideas through creative expression. By presenting these ideas to public audiences, MAP fosters resilience and self-efficacy among its students. These indicators of Positive Youth Development have long-term benefits, including healthy relationships, community connections, and economic self-sufficiency[3].

History and Partnerships

The Manton Avenue Project was founded in 2004 by Jenny Peek, inspired by her previous work with The 52nd Street Project in New York City. Over the years, MAP has grown significantly and formed meaningful partnerships with local organizations such as William D'Abate Elementary School, Olneyville Housing Corporation, and the Rhode Island Council on the Arts[3].

Achievements

Since its inception, MAP has produced over 1,000 plays written by over 200 children from Olneyville. The organization works with more than 500 adult artists to facilitate its programs, which annually serve about ten new third graders and up to 70 young people in total[3].