Artscope

Artscope (est. 2002), is a youth arts organization based in Tower Grove Park, that aims to bring high-quality, inclusive, and accessible arts programming to every corner of St. Louis—especially where it’s too often underfunded, undervalued, or completely absent.

Creativity isn’t just an enrichment activity—it’s a vital tool for problem-solving, critical thinking, and community connection, and we believe it begins with our city's youth. Our work empowers young people to explore their identities, amplify their voices, and see themselves reflected in every aspect that creativity touches: from how they express emotion, tell stories, and interpret the world around them, to how they imagine solutions, collaborate with others, and shape their communities.

Yet arts education remains underfunded—or entirely absent in many parts of St. Louis. Artscope fills that gap by bringing creativity directly into classrooms and communities. With your support, we can reach even more young people who deserve access to the transformative power of the arts.

How Artscope Reaches Youth Across St. Louis

🎨 School’s Out & Summer Camp Create:

Our community-favorite summer camps offer transformative hands-on experiences in creativity, nature exploration, and eco-conscious art-making. Our youth campers build friendships, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills while learning from incredible professional Teaching Artists—all from our historic cottage in the heart of Tower Grove Park. Your donation towards Summer Camp directly supports scholarships, supplies, and staffing, making it possible for us to offer more children access to the joy, growth, inspiration, and community-building. 

🏫 We Fill the Void of Arts Programming in Schools

Too many schools across St. Louis lack access to dedicated arts education, leaving students without creative outlets, cultural enrichment, or the chance to build confidence through self-expression.

Artscope’s Artists-in-Residence Program fills this gap by embedding some of St. Louis' best professional, working artists directly into classrooms to lead joyful, skill-building arts experiences throughout the school year. These are visionary educators who show up with heart, talent, and the kind of creativity that inspires students, strengthens communities, and reflects the diversity of the city they serve. 

Your donation helps us grow this essential program, reaching more schools, creating more opportunities, and expanding our incredible network of Artists-in-Residence who uplift and inspire children who seek this.

🤝We Partner with Local Organizations to Deliver Arts Programming

Many nonprofits across St. Louis are doing vital work—but don’t have the capacity to offer consistent arts programming.

That’s where Artscope comes in. We partner with afterschool programs, community orgs, and refugee support services to bring culturally responsive, hands-on art experiences into their spaces—allowing them to focus on their mission while we provide the creative engagement. 

Here’s What Your Donation Directly Supports, in Real Time.

For Summer Camp & School’s Out Programming:

• Tuition support for families who need sliding scale for summer camps 
• Expanded capacity so more kids can attend (teaching staff, materials, and insurance all scale with size)
• Above standard pay for Teaching Artists who make these programs so meaningful
• Basic needs like snacks, safety supplies, and CPR training for staff

For Our Artists-in-Residence Program:

• Funding is needed to place our partner Teaching Artists in schools with no art teachers or to provide training. We also offer curriculum building for schools seeking elevated (or any!) arts programming 
• Transportation stipends for artists working across the city
• Ongoing curriculum planning and material costs

• Investment in hiring artists who represent the linguistic and cultural diversity of the youth we work with.

For Community Collaborations:

• On-site programming at partner orgs serving refugee families, youth in transition, or neighborhoods with little-to-no arts access
• Supply kits that allow students to take their creativity home
• Artist stipends for leading pop-up workshops and residencies
• Coordination time and staffing to manage partnerships equitably

How we want to Show Our Appreciation and Recognition for Your Donation and Contributions:

• All donors receive a personalized thank-you from the Artscope team.

• Supporters of specific funds are recognized in related program materials and community updates.

• Major or recurring donors receive quarterly impact highlights and invitations to special previews like open studios or student art shares.

• Community partners and business sponsors are acknowledged on our website and in seasonal materials.