Memphis, TN - Thursday, June 25, 2024

The UrbanArt Commission (UAC) is announcing the launch of its new partnership with Shelby County Juvenile Court. Today marks Day One of this impactful collaboration as we welcome our first justice-involved youth into our creative space.

As an officially approved Level 4 Community Service Provider, UAC is now a referral partner for Judicial Orders for Community Service. This partnership underscores UAC’s dedication to creating positive impacts for families and children within our community. By integrating art into the lives of these young individuals, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, inspire creativity, and offer a transformative experience.

"We believe in the transformative power of exposing youth to art, the creators of art, and the arts ecosystem," said Lakeisha Edwards, Executive Director of UAC. "Our partnership with Juvenile Court aims to show that art can have a major impact on young minds, inspiring creativity and fostering a sense of belonging."

The selection of UAC as a community service provider is a testament to our ongoing commitment to neighborhood engagement and youth empowerment. By providing a nurturing environment where young individuals can express themselves artistically, UAC hopes to positively influence their futures and encourage personal growth.

This partnership involves working closely with young people in the neighborhood, providing them with opportunities to complete community service hours while engaging with the arts. This initiative not only broadens their horizons but also reinforces UAC's core value of engaging neighborhoods and creating lasting, positive change.

The community is encouraged to support UAC's mission and follow the progress of this exciting new program. Through collective efforts, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these young individuals and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.

Stay tuned for updates as this relationship grows and as we continue to share stories of transformation and empowerment through the power of art.

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About UrbanArt Commission: UrbanArt Commission (UAC) works to create opportunities for artists and neighborhoods to connect and shape spaces through public art. Since 2002, UAC has managed the City of Memphis’s Percent-For-Art Program, which allocates funds annually to develop public art in connection to capital improvement projects. UAC also facilitates public art projects throughout the city, working with various partners and clients to support artists and new experiences with art.

About Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County: The Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County is dedicated to serving the best interests of children and families through justice and rehabilitation. By partnering with community organizations, the court aims to provide supportive services and programs that promote positive development and reduce recidivism. Learn more with this link:https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/3573/Justice-Involved-Youth-Resources