Art at the Heart
Intervention Hope
Southwest Arkansas Arts Council

It seems fitting that the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council’s after-school and summer arts programs began in the town of Hope, Arkansas. Through Art at the Heart and Intervention Hope, at-risk students ages 6–18 receive the opportunity to engage in a wide range of artistic pursuits and community activities that provide a sense of place and possibility.

In an area that is largely rural, with high rates of poverty and underachievement, these programs benefit children and teens who are not likely to succeed in school. Art at the Heart offers students afternoon art classes for six weeks, during the summer. These classes introduce them to a rich variety of art forms, including painting, photography, poetry, theater production, bookmaking, puppetry, beading, drawing, and dance.

Local professional teacher artists instruct all of the classes, which culminate in a public performance or exhibition, showcasing the students’ achievements. The young participants of DrumBallet—the program’s most popular and visible success—work with a Ghanaian djembe drummer. Dubbed “the ambassadors of Hope,” the troupe has performed at prestigious gatherings across the state, including the opening of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.The artists who facilitate Intervention Hope, the Council’s after-school program, mentor students throughout the school year. During periodic residencies, students receive 20 hours of arts instruction per week. As with Art at the Heart, a public presentation of students’ work concludes each residency. Through these exhibitions, participants gain recognition and respect from teachers, family members, and peers.