Our Mission

The mission of Upstream Arts is to enhance the lives of adults and youth with disabilities by fostering creative communication and social independence through the power of arts education.

We Believe

We believe that the arts are uniquely suited to act as a tool to teach and learn the complicated nuances of social interaction and communication; and that artistic experiences nurture growth, leading to individuals who are better able to live, work and make positive contributions to our society.

What We Do

We integrate individuals with cognitive, developmental, emotional, behavioral and physical disabilities in arts programming designed to develop social and communication skills vital to success in school, work and life. In our programs, local professional artists—including actors, musicians, poets, visual artists and dancers—lead arts activities that nurture self- expression, conversation, and group participation.

Watch Upstream Arts’ Informational Video

A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.   Paul Cezanne