Art Sustains

Right now, the world is experiencing something new and scary. However, whether we’re listening to music, reading, dancing, watching movies, or looking at something visually creative, we are all experiencing the power and sustenance of art.

Imagine the world without this art and you imagine a world devoid of creativity and expression, a world in which the meaningful, emotional, and important don’t have a safe place to stay. Thankfully, we live in this world, a place filled with art that shows us the full spectrum of human emotion, varied and unique perspectives, and commentary on what we feel is right and just.

Art has the power to change lives and inspire people of all ages, especially during this difficult time. The DREAMS staff and teaching artists are all channeling our collective creative energy to serve our students and their families in new and innovative ways.

They need DREAMS now more than ever, and we need your support!

 

Support DREAMS

How DREAMS is Responding to COVID-19

On March 23, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper announced an Executive Order that closes all North Carolina Public Schools until May 15, 2020. DREAMS follows New Hanover County School closing protocols, and will not hold programming until schools reopen.

We hope to resume programs this summer, and will update this website as soon as appropriate dates for summer programming have been determined.

Until then, we are providing a DREAMS At Home Art Kit to help students and families to keep up their creativity at home. There are fun activities for every type of artist at every level: drawing, dancing, photography, acting, pottery, and more!

We also invite you to hang out with DREAMS on Social Media (see links at the top of our website). Every week we post a new arts challenge or lesson that you can do at home!

We sincerely hope your family is well at this time, and we look forward to DREAMing with you soon!

Creating a Culture of Confidence

At DREAMS Center for Arts Education, we believe every child has the right to creative self-expression and should be given the opportunity to grow into the person that they are and wish to become – trying new things in a supportive space where they are encouraged to take creative risks, embrace their inner uniqueness, and reach for the stars. The arts are foundational to the well-being and personal growth of all people, and we believe every barrier to access and participation should be removed, especially for youth and teens.

Our Mission

The mission of DREAMS is to create a culture of confidence for youth and teens, through equitable access to arts education, supported by the values of respect, family, and community.

Our Story

Established in 1997, DREAMS of Wilmington is a youth development organization that is dedicated to creating a culture of confidence for youth and teens, through equitable access to arts education, supported by the values of respect, family, and community.

In 2007, DREAMS received the Coming Up Taller Award, given annually by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities to the nation’s top after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs.

Today, we provide free-of-charge arts programming to more than 600 young people and their families each year. We offer more than 40 classes per week at 6 different sites in the Wilmington, NC area, including our newly renovated, 12,000 square foot inner-city center on Wilmington’s North Side. This space features our 4,000 square foot performance venue and multipurpose space, “The Garage at DREAMS.”

 

You’ll find DREAMS programming at public housing sites, city recreation centers, and in after-school and out-of-school programs across New Hanover County.

We employ more than 20 teaching artists who share our passion of creating a world where every child has the right to self-expression and the opportunity to grow into the person that they are and wish to become.

Additionally, we have the following initiatives: Public Art, Visiting Artists, Teen Council, Family Engagement, Dance Theatre of DREAMS (DTD), The Garage at DREAMS, and The Gallery at DREAMS.

Learn More

What We Do

Programs

DREAMers choose from a wide array of classes including painting, percussion, photography, filmmaking, dance, drama and creative writing. Through the arts, DREAMers connect with positive, constructive peer groups and mentors, develop self-confidence and prepare for leadership in the community.

Real World Exposure

Through our Youth Entrepreneurship Program DREAMers value, market, and sell their artwork, which they exhibit at galleries, local shops and community events. Our students also perform and dance in shows, and create public art displays to beautify parks, buses and buildings around town. These projects instill a sense of pride in our students, and build connections between DREAMers and their community.

Visiting Artists

Our visiting artists allow our DREAMers to DREAM beyond geographical boundaries and get to know the artists in their own backyard. Grants from the Landfall Foundation, the NC Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts have enabled DREAMS to host incredible visual and performing artists from all over the world. DREAMS also partners with No Boundaries International Artist Colony, UNCW Presents, and The Dance Cooperative. Some of the guests have included: the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Chinese painter Wei Ru, Barbadian artist Neville Crawford, Playback Theatre, multimedia artist Steve Myott, violinist and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), the Ensemble Galilei, ventriloquist Jay Johnson, and local comedy troupe, Pineapple-Shaped Lamps.

Excellence in Programming

DREAMS implements research-based curricula in arts education and youth development, assuring that DREAMers receive only the best. Due to this mindful approach, DREAMS has received overwhelming support at the local, state, regional, and national levels. In 2007, the DREAMS program was recognized by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities with the Coming Up Taller Award, the nation’s highest honor for after-school and out-of-school programs. We have also received the UNC Wilmington’s Razor-Walker Award for distinguished service to youth, and have been recognized by the NC Governor’s Crime Commission for dedication and achievement in the area of juvenile justice.