(Awarded October 2024) - $206,800.00

The Rockford Area Arts Council’s SPARK! at Washington Park program is an after-school enrichment program led by an arts therapist facilitated for Rockford Public School District 205 students. With an Accelerator Award, the RAAC supported costs for the program.

SPARK! at Washington Park is a dynamic community arts program designed to ignite creativity, confidence, and connection among local youth. Developed by the Rockford Area Arts Council, SPARK! offers high-quality arts instruction with an intentional focus on mental health and emotional well-being.

At the heart of SPARK! is the belief that creative expression plays a vital role in a young person’s development, building cognitive skills, emotional resilience, communication abilities, and self-esteem. In a group setting, the arts also foster empathy, collaboration, and respect for diverse experiences while providing a healthy outlet for stress and self-reflection.

What sets SPARK! apart is its team of local professional artists, who serve as instructors and mentors. These artists not only bring technical expertise and creative insight to the classroom but also reflect the cultural backgrounds of the youth they serve, helping to build meaningful relationships, pride, and community connection. In addition, certified art therapists work with instructors to ensure activities are responsive to the social and emotional needs of participants.

Supported by national research and partners like Americans for the Arts, SPARK! is more than an arts program—it’s a pathway to personal growth, academic success, and long-term community engagement.

Contact the Community Engagement Officer who oversees this program.