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BuildaBridge
Painted paper cups and markers on a table from a BuildaBridge art-making session

BuildaBridge

Engaging the transformative power of art-making

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Mission

Art-Making that Restores

BuildaBridge International engages creative people and the transformative power of art-making to bring hope and healing to children in need and their communities. Through trauma-informed art-making workshops, BuildaBridge provides safe, creative spaces away from violence, poverty, drugs and trauma, fostering resilience, self-efficacy and hopeful visions for the future.

BuildaBridge envisions a world where all are resilient, experience self-efficacy, and have a vision for their future.

Our approach

Programs

Where creative practice meets community need

From music and movement studios to professional training, every program is rooted in the BuildaBridge Safe Spaces Model.

  • A teaching artist and a student at a keyboard, tablet, and studio speakers during Music Studio

    Youth

    Music Studio

    Percussion, songwriting, and instrumental instruction

    Percussion, songwriting, and instrumental instruction workshops that build emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and leadership.

  • BuildaBridge Arts of Self-Care cards, breathing tools, and kit materials on a table

    Youth & caregivers

    Arts of Self-Care

    Coping tools for youth and the adults who care for them

    Arts-based coping and self-regulation tools for youth with trauma histories, and a parallel version for the adults who care for them—teachers, parents, social workers, and youth workers.

  • An altered book with a butterfly collage and the words wish and possibility, made in Writing Studio

    Youth

    Writing Studio

    Poetry, free writing, and SongStarting

    Creative writing and SongStarting: teaching songwriting to non-songwriters through free writing, poetry, chant, and singing.

  • Percussionists in patterned attire performing with a shekere and drum during Therapeutic Percussion

    Public programs

    Therapeutic Percussion

    The Drummer’s Journey and public programs

    Therapeutic percussion and public programming, including The Drummer’s Journey with Grammy-winning percussionist Robert Kenyatta and shekere master Omomola Iyabunmi.

View all programs

Get involved

You can BuildaBridge anywhere

Donate, volunteer, teach, become an ambassador, or join the board. Find the path that matches how you want to put art to work for hope and healing.

Ways to joinContact us
A teaching artist and children painting outdoors during Visual Arts Studio

Partners

Proudly supported by

Funders and allies who make this work possible.

Ready to connect?

Reach out about programs, partnerships, volunteering, or gifts.

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