Open Door Arts, an Affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation, promotes access, representation, and participation of people with disabilities in our arts and cultural community. For 43 years, we have worked to build capacity within schools and cultural organizations to implement inclusive practices and programs that welcome and engage people with disabilities in creative, artistic, and learning opportunities.
With support from the Hestia Fund, Open Door Arts is excited to pilot the CareerCREATE Program in 2023-2024. The program is specifically designed to offer engaging and meaningful opportunities for high school students with disabilities to explore, experience, and prepare for creative careers. The curriculum is designed in partnership with artists, educators, and youth career transition specialists to promote Connection, Representation, Employability, Artistry, Transition Readiness, and Expression through accessible arts instruction, and opportunities to meet working artists and visit arts and culture organizations.
This is Hestia's first year funding Open Door Arts. The two-year grant of $25,000 each year will support the CareerCREATE program.