Founded in 1932 by a group of local parents, the Community Art Center’s mission is to nurture children and young adults with limited access to financial resources so they achieve personal and cultural growth, and have a positive impact on their world through joyful experiences in the arts.
Through our 75 years in operation we have propelled close to 8000 Cambridge youth to develop themselves artistically, academically, and socially. We achieve this by providing a combined total of approximately 3000 program hours per year through two central programs and one large annual event:
-A School Age Child Care (SACC) Program, engages children, ages 5-12, in a hands-on arts-based curriculum year-round, operating after-school Mon-Fri 2:00-6:00 pm and all day weekdays during school vacations and summer. Our unique approach to integrating arts and social services offers children the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve their full potential.
-The Teen Media Program (TMP), for youth 13-19, gives teens an opportunity to be heard by the larger public through the media arts. TMP offers seasonal Youth Media Internships which work towards the planning of our annual film festival, as well as opportunities to participate in ongoing small groups including, Boys and Girls Groups, Genuine Productions (a youth business venture), Youth Advisory Board, Citywide Youth Festival Advisory Committee and in public exhibitions and showings.
-The “Do It Your Damn Self!!” National Youth Film and Video Festival (DIYDS!!) is the longest running youth-curated film festival in the country. It involves several screenings, including one for entries by younger participants and is guided by Citywide Youth Festival Advisory Committee.
As the Community Art Center continues to evolve, one thing remains steadfast: our dedication to our mission and to the growth of the young people and communities we serve. The Community Art Center staff invites you to join this season’s programs and to celebrate over 75 years of commitment to youth development in Cambridge.