Arts Unbound Inc.

Arts Unbound Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing arts education and vocational opportunities in the visual arts to individuals with mental, developmental, and physical disabilities. The organization was founded in 2000 and officially incorporated as a non-profit in 2003.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Arts Unbound is to inspire students of all ages through classes in the visual arts, fostering avenues of self-expression, personal achievement, and life enrichment. They aim to cultivate creative skills and provide professional training to emerging artists, enabling them to compete in the retail market and share their work globally as artists with disabilities.

Arts Unbound offers a variety of media classes, including painting and graphic novel creation, taught by professional artist-instructors. The organization provides both group classes and individual instruction based on the needs and interests of the students. They work closely with local partners such as school districts, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to ensure inclusive access to arts education.

Programs and Impact

Arts Unbound serves youth from age five, adults, and senior citizens, reaching up to 200 individuals monthly through both in-studio and off-site programs. These programs are held in various locations across Essex, Union, and Morris counties, including public and special schools, senior centers, and agencies that support people with disabilities and at-risk youth.

The organization's programs have been noted to promote wellness by improving emotional health, socialization, attention span, and eye/hand coordination among participants. Arts Unbound also features exhibitions in their gallery and throughout New Jersey, showcasing the artistic achievements of individuals with disabilities.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

Arts Unbound partners with organizations like Hands, Inc., and the Valley Arts District to foster a vibrant arts community. The Valley Arts District is designated as a cultural arts revitalization zone, with Arts Unbound serving as one of the pioneering tenants in the area. This strategic partnership aims to create a thriving arts environment over time.

Through these initiatives, Arts Unbound not only enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities but also contributes to the broader cultural landscape by promoting diversity and inclusivity in the arts.