About Us

Since 1999, The ArtReach Foundation's mission has been to influence and assist, through creative expressive arts therapies, the growth and development of children who have experienced the traumatic effects of war, violence, and/or natural disaster.

Research has shown that expressive art is an enormously effective means of helping traumatized children cope with their traumas and provides them with the tools necessary to lead productive lives.

Providing art expression in a safe, therapeutic, and educational setting allows children to express residual anger and resentment, work through emotions related to trauma, and discover renewed hope.

Hear how the expressive arts can heal, from Susan Anderson, founder, The ArtReach Foundation. Excerpted from Breakfast with the Arts segment on A&E.  [full video]

Three characteristics distinguish the ArtReach model from other programs that address similar needs:

Community Impact

During the five years of ArtReach/Project Bosnia, it became apparent that our work with teachers and children had a life-changing effect, not only on children but also on entire communities. Beginning in the classroom, there is an emphasis on creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages and enables mutual respect, good listening, sharing, and meaningful self-expression. Children and teachers, in turn, become catalysts for change within their own families. The same atmosphere carries over into the evening public forums where parents and surrounding neighbors are given a safe place to express themselves. A facilitated group process leads to a shared commitment to rebuilding the community. Community members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the ArtReach programs. Many of them become volunteers, supporting the team members.

Universal Benefits

The benefits of ArtReach long survive the departure of the teams. ArtReach’s “Train the Trainers” program prepares a select cadre of talented teachers to become regional trainers. A professional training other professionals is a proven model that can have an effect on a large and diverse population, ensure sustainability of the model, and leverage financial and human resources. ArtReach further ensures its sustainability by providing ongoing supervision and mentoring for these regional trainers until they are able to continue the work on their own.

Complementing Culture

The ArtReach Core Leadership Group begins its preparation with a careful study of the cultural ideologies and economic characteristics of the country, region or community that form the backdrop for the experience of trauma. The Core Leadership Group then designs a specific curriculum for each workshop to complement those ideologies and economic characteristics. Thus, the ArtReach model is meaningful and relevant for the workshop participants themselves, and for the children with whom they work.