Programs

BuildaBridge provides creative arts educational experiences and therapeutic intervention through art-making in music, drama, dance, creative writing, and the visual arts to children and families in under-served communities of Philadelphia and around the world. We collaborate with local schools, community centers, transitional homes, and more. Contact us for a custom-made program for your community.

Safe Spaces Model View one-pager Download one-pager

Community programs

Studios, institutes, and public programs

Every offering uses the Safe Spaces Model. Teaching Artists shape the art form to the people in the room.

Youth
Music Studio
Percussion and songwriting
Percussion and songwriting workshops that build emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Youth
Dance Studio
Movement and the body
Movement-based programming supporting body awareness, self-regulation, and non-verbal emotional processing.
Youth
Visual Arts Studio
Image, journal, and animation
Painting, journaling, collage, and animation exploring emotional and physical awareness.
Youth
Writing Studio
Poetry, free writing, and SongStarting
Creative writing and SongStarting: teaching songwriting to non-songwriters through free writing, poetry, chant, and singing.
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.
Refugee & immigrant youth
ELLA
English language learning + art-making
Combined language instruction and community-building art projects for refugee and immigrant youth.
School breaks
Vacation Arts
Intensive programming when school is out
Intensive programming during school breaks and in-service days, when youth are least supervised and most at risk.
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.
Educators & caregivers
The BuildaBridge Institute
Institute for Applied Restorative Arts
Training artists, educators, clinicians, and youth workers to integrate trauma-informed arts practice into their own settings—regionally, nationally, and internationally.
All ages
Tones of Home
Hope-infused performance for all
A free concert and art-making series featuring BuildaBridge Restorative Artists alongside other community-minded artists. The event unites artists and community members from diverse backgrounds to amplify their impact against the sounds of hate, racism, and bigotry.