DrawBridge: An Arts Program for Homeless Children

Art is important for self-development and self-empowerment for children.
Art is a tool for survival.

—Salifu M., former DrawBridge Artist in Residence

These artworks were created by the children of DrawBridge, the only Bay Area nonprofit providing free weekly expressive art programs for homeless and other underserved children ages four and older. Since 1989, DrawBridge has inspired creativity, joy, confidence, and hope in over 35,000 Bay Area children. Weekly art programs are offered at dozens of homeless shelters, safe houses, and other low-income facilities throughout the Bay Area.

Through art, children can express themselves and convey their experiences. The nonjudgmental and loving support of DrawBridge staff members enables them to rebuild a sense of stability and self-worth. The program gives children an outlet for their feelings, stories, and voices to be heard.

When asked to create artwork to be displayed at the San Francisco International Airport, DrawBridge artists responded with great enthusiasm. Images of houses, cool places to live, communities, and scary creatures emerged. The artists’ creations are aspirational and fantastical, or a reflection of everyday life. At DrawBridge, youths who can be under tremendous stress find an hour or two of freedom, a place of refuge, and a creative space they can access for the rest of their lives.

© 2016 by the San Francisco Airport Commission. All Rights Reserved.