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We RiseUP to Build Community
Catalyzing community-driven change through our Social Enterprise Ecosystem blending: education, creativity, workforce development, and accessibility.
RiseUP's Impact
Youth Development
20+
Partner schools and organizations across Connecticut.
Workforce Development
0%
Recidivism rate among our 'Second-Chance' team members during their tenure with RiseUP.
Accessibility and Inclusion
50+
Towns/cities with at least one RiseUP project
Public Art & Placemaking
$3,000,000
Invested in Connecticut's Creative Economy
Our Mission
RiseUP’s mission is to empower communities through public art, creative leadership, and inclusive design. We foster equity, opportunity, and belonging for all.
Founded on the principles of Support, Access, and Service, RiseUP combines education, creativity, and collaboration to help people imagine and build a better future.
Our Vision
RiseUP envisions a future where every community is empowered to imagine and build a more equitable, creative, and connected world. Through public art, education, and service, we transform spaces and systems into platforms for belonging, opportunity, and leadership.
Our vision is to elevate the voices of youth and communities, turning creativity into a catalyst for social change, economic mobility, and inclusive growth across Connecticut and beyond.
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Programs That Make Impact
RiseUP creates impact through art, education, and empowerment. Our programs transform public spaces into canvases for connection, classrooms into hubs of creativity, and job sites into pathways of opportunity. Each initiative is designed to uplift people and places—proving that creativity is one of the most powerful tools for community change.
Through the program, I learned that it's not just about how skilled you are with a paint brush or how well you can draw. It's really about the process of creation, how your mind works, how you bring your ideas to life in visual form, and how you express your unique perspective.
Creative Leadership Student, Hall High School
Able Table is such an important new landmark in our community and it represents the mosaic of individuals that we have in our community – all different people people facing all different challenges at different times.
Shari Cantor, Mayor of West Hartford
I never thought I’d have a second chance at life. Now I'm sober, have consistent work and a true purpose to improve my community. RiseUP's love and dedication made that possible.”
Ty D., Home & Commercial Team Member
I think this mural just shows how interconnected the Conard community is, how it reflects that. It reflects our community and our compassion for each other.
Creative Leadership Student, Conard High School
Purchase Art and RiseUP Swag
Get in Touch Today
To learn more about our programs, partnerships, or to get involved, please reach out to us. Together, we can create lasting change!