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Invest in the Next Generation of Creative Leaders
Every artist starts somewhere. A first opportunity. A first mentor. A first paycheck. A first moment of realizing that creativity can become a career.
The Rising Artist Fund powers those moments.
For 30 years, 1001 Colors has helped young people turn creativity into opportunity. Through paid employment, mentorship, professional development, and hands-on artistic experiences, we help emerging artists transform their talent into confidence, income, and lasting career pathways.
Your support fuels programs that employ and develop more than 200 young artists each year through Apprenticeships, Gallery Fellowships, and Creative Studios. Participants gain real-world experience, build professional portfolios, earn income, strengthen leadership skills, and contribute meaningful work that shapes our city.
These aren't simulated experiences or classroom exercises. They are real opportunities within a real creative economy, where young artists learn by doing, work alongside professional mentors, and develop the skills needed to succeed in the arts and beyond.
1001 Colors creates Bold Art that Builds Bright Futures. Invest in a Rising Artist today and help unlock the potential of our youth, creating opportunities that inspire creativity, build confidence, and transform futures.
Support Our Rising Artists
Your Dollars at Work
Every gift to the Rising Artist Fund creates real opportunities for young people to learn, earn, and grow. Whether you’re providing essential art supplies, funding career readiness training, or supporting a paid apprenticeship, your generosity directly invests in the success of emerging artists.
From a $10 hand up to a summer apprentice salary, every dollar helps remove barriers, unlock potential, and create pathways to brighter futures.
Supporting Young Artists
- $100 provides safety training for Apprentices.
- $500 helps provide career readiness training, including financial literacy, technology skills, portfolio development, and professional writing.
- $1,000 helps employ under-resourced youth through community-driven public art projects.
- $2,500 supports the salary of one Summer Youth Apprentice.
Supporting Creative Projects
- $10 purchase painters tape.
- $25 covers apprentice safety gear (hard hat, goggles, safety vest).
- $50 provides a set of premium paintbrushes.
- $100 covers the average cost of a gallon of paint.
- $500 helps fund community engagement sessions and project materials.
- $1,000 supports the purchase of clear coat to protect a finished mural.
- $6,000 supports scaffolding rentals for multi-story murals.
Investing in Program Leadership
- $7,400 supports the salary of one Summer Apprentice program Teaching Artist.
- $11,600 supports the salary of one Summer Apprentice program Lead Teaching Artist.
Give Your Way
Every gift to the Rising Artist Fund helps young artists access the opportunities, mentorship, and professional experiences that can shape a lifetime.
From supporting paid creative work and youth apprenticeships to advancing public art, career development, and neighborhood transformation, your generosity helps build pathways for emerging artists while strengthening communities through creativity.
There are many ways to make an impact. Whether you’re making a one-time gift, becoming a monthly donor, contributing stock, establishing a planned gift, volunteering your time, or exploring a corporate partnership, your support helps sustain the next generation of creative leaders.
Looking for the giving option that’s right for you?
Visit our Ways to Give page to learn about employer matching gifts, donor-advised funds, memorial and legacy giving, stock transfers, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and more.
Help Build the Next 30 Years
For three decades, 1001 Colors has transformed lives through creativity, mentorship, workforce development, and public art.
The next generation of artists is already here. They have the talent. They have the vision. They have the potential.
What they need is opportunity.
Together, we can ensure young artists have access to paid creative work, professional mentors, meaningful experiences, and pathways to a career.