Programs
Innovative and Empowering Programs for Teens
AIR integrates visual, performing, and literary arts with group mentoring by professional artists, cultural field trips, and community service.
Our Program Areas
ArtVentures: Ages 11-14
Explore creativity and try new types of art with a nonjudgmental and supportive group of creative middle schoolers. ArtVentures is offered after school and during school vacations.
AIR Artists: Ages 14-18
Join AIR Artists and express yourself in an inclusive community through visual, performing, and literary arts. AIR Artists is offered after school and during school vacations in February, April, and summer.
Advance on AIR: Ages 16-22
Enjoy meaningful, creative apprenticeships, internships, and workshops in a supportive community. For young adults who have completed at least three AIR’s programs.
Program Details
AIR programs are are free of charge for all participants, including supplies, transportation, and technology assistance. They take place at local arts venues to enhance teens’ community connection.
- Led by professional teaching artists
- Hands-on activities advance teens’ artistic skills
- Focus on community-building, group mentoring, and collaboration
- Cultural field trips and community service enhance community connections
- Culminate in showcases of teens’ original art
Program Objectives
Encouraging teens to discover, create, grow, and thrive
- Learn about the arts and cultural expression
- Increase literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Create strong relationships and conflict resolution skills
- Develop strategies to reflect and set life goals
- Identify local art resources and be inspire by local artists
- Build strong protective factors to prevent risky behaviors
- Volunteer and demonstrate the potential of youth
Open and Accepting
Our programs welcome teenage girls and gender expansive youth ages 11-22-years-old who feel like AIR is the right community for them. All artistic abilities and skill levels are encouraged. No previous experience is required!
Statement of Inclusion
AIR creates a safe and inclusive community that values differences in ability, culture, ethincity, gender expression, personal experience, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
Download our brochure to learn more about our commitment to inclusivity and community.
Get Our Brochure
“Every teen needs a supportive community where they feel safe to be creative and express themselves.”
– Cara Cabral, AIR Mentor Alum
FAQ’s
Q: What is Arts in Reach?
A: Arts In Reach (AIR) is an organization dedicated to empowering teen girls and gender expansive youth through the arts and mentoring. We provide various programs throughout the year designed to unleash creativity and build confidence, compassion, and communication skills.
Q: Who is AIR for?
A: AIR programs are for teenage girls and trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth ages 11-22-years-old who feel like AIR is the right community for them.
Q: What is the age of AIR participants?
A: Arts In Reach programs are currently offered to teens and young adults age 11 through 22, although different programs and workshops are geared toward different age groups.
Q: What types of programming does Arts In Reach offer?
A: We offer visual, performing, and literary arts opportunities throughout the year after school and during school vacation for teens to discover their own unique talents and abilities as they explore their creativity. Fill out a registration form and check out our calendar on our homepage, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to learn about upcoming programs and workshops and how to sign up.
Q: How do I sign up for one of the AIR programs?
A: To participate in any of our programs or workshops, you can register online, download and mail our registration form, or ask your school counselor for the form. The completed form must be signed by a parent or guardian and only needs to be completed once per year, unless your information changes. Once you have registered and been contacted by an AIR staff member, go to our calendar on our homepage or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to learn about upcoming programs and workshops and how to sign up.
Q: What is the cost to participate?
A: AIR programs and workshops are free of cost to participants, and we assist families with transportation or technology needs within the Greater Seacoast.
Q: How do I arrange transportation to the programs?
A: Transportation to and from program sites often can be arranged and is always free of charge. For more information, please call 603-433-4278 or email [email protected].
Q: How long has Arts in Reach been around?
A: AIR was founded in 1997 by University of New Hampshire art history graduates Kristin Forselius and Amanda Tappan as a summer day camp that focused on visual arts, performing and literary arts, and art history.