Art Heals Arizona launches Creative Futures program with $150K NBA Foundation grant. BY Frontdoors Media In Phoenix, creativity is opening doors to something even bigger than self-expression; it's becoming a pathway to real careers. Thanks to a $150,000 grant from the NBA Foundation, Art Heals Arizona is launching "Creative Futures," an innovative new program designed to help young people turn their passions into possibilities. The initiative marks an exciting evolution for the organization as it expands its long-running Professional Artist Series and Camp Series into something even more impactful. With Creative Futures, the focus goes beyond art for art's sake, offering structured career exploration, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities for youth ages 14 to 24 across Phoenix. At its core, the program is about connecting creativity with confidence and talent with tangible career pathways. Through hands-on workshops led by professional artists, technical theater rotations, and mentorship experiences, 300 teens and young adults will gain exposure to a wide range of opportunities within the creative economy. From performance and visual arts to behind-the-scenes production and technical roles, participants will explore different career paths and build essential life skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. "Creative Futures reflects the kind of community-driven, career-connected programming the NBA Foundation is proud to support," said NBA Foundation Executive Director Ruth Jurgensen. "Art Heals Arizona is meeting young people where they are, using creativity as a pathway to confidence, skill-building, and real workforce opportunity. Through this investment, we're helping Phoenix youth see how their talents can translate into sustainable careers and long-term success." The program builds on more than two decades of partnership with the Herberger Theater Center, as well as on previous pilot efforts that included professional artist workshops with the Phoenix Suns dancers. Creative Futures deepens those collaborations while introducing a more structured, intentional model that helps participants envision themselves not just as artists, but as future professionals. Creative Futures will serve teens and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness, including those connected to shelters, group homes, residential treatment centers, and kinship networks throughout Maricopa County. By centering young people who are system-involved or from low-income backgrounds, the initiative ensures that opportunity reaches those who need it most. "By embedding workforce development into two Art Heals Arizona programs, Creative Futures creates a sustainable pipeline that connects artistic expression with real-world opportunity," CEO Matt Sandoval said. "We're helping people see a future where their creativity can lead to meaningful careers." Support for Art Heals Arizona isn't new. The Phoenix Suns/Mercury Foundation has long championed the organization's work, helping to expand access to arts programming for youth across the Valley. With the NBA Foundation's investment, Creative Futures represents a powerful next step - one that blends creativity, community, and career readiness into a single, transformative experience. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit nbafoundation.nba.com or arthealsaz.org. Frontdoors Media Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of its community. It's the premier source of information - and inspiration - for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.

Arizona Lottery awards $100,000 to Free Arts for Arizona. Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona has received a significant boost in its mission to transform trauma into resilience for children across the state, thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Arizona Lottery. This funding will enable the organization to provide 600 meaningful interactions between youth participants and trained volunteer mentors or performing artists; experiences designed to build trust, self-expression, and healing. Founded in 1993, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is dedicated to helping children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and homelessness reclaim their sense of safety and belonging through the arts. The organization serves more than 7,000 children annually, partnering with 43 social service agencies and operating across more than 120 sites throughout Maricopa County and beyond. The Arizona Lottery's support directly contributes to Free Arts' evidence-based Art + Mentors = Resilience model, which blends trauma-informed arts programming with consistent, caring adult mentorship. This model strengthens protective factors such as emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and positive self-identity. "The Arizona Lottery is honored to support organizations like Free Arts that are creating real and lasting change for children in our state," said Alec Thomson, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery. "Programs like these help young people heal and build confidence; they strengthen the very fabric of our communities." Through its Gives Back initiative, the lottery funds programs in education, economic development, environmental conservation, and human services. Investments in organizations like Free Arts reflect this broader mission to uplift vulnerable Arizonans, particularly children in crisis. Free Arts serves young people aged 3 - 24 who are living in out-of-home care, including group homes, shelters, treatment centers, or foster and kinship placements. Its programs are designed to offer recurring, creative experiences that promote healing and connection over time. "The trauma these young people face often leaves deep emotional scars," CEO Matt Sandoval said. "With this grant, we can deepen our impact and provide safe, healing spaces where children connect, create, and begin to reclaim their stories through art and consistent support from trusted adults." The $100,000 grant will help fund four of Free Arts' core programs: Performing Artist Series, Weekly Mentor Program, Free Art Days, and Camps. These programs are built to foster ongoing trust and personal growth, particularly for youth dealing with the instability of the child welfare system. Each interaction - lasting between one to three hours - offers a structured, safe, and creative environment led by trained mentors and artists. The impact of Free Arts' work is evident in its recent program data: * 85.87 percent of youth reported improved well-being * 89.91 percent gained new coping skills * 87.6 percent reported having more trusted adults who care about them * 88.1 percent felt an increased sense of safety The Arizona Lottery's investment in Free Arts is a demonstration of its commitment to empowering at-risk youth and supporting organizations that strengthen Arizona. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit freeartsaz.org. Frontdoors Media celebrates the people and groups who give generously and work to build the future of its community. It's the premier source of information - and inspiration - for those who strive to make the Valley of the Sun a better place to live.