MORE THAN JUST MURALS
RiseUP's Founding Pillars: Support > Access > Service
RiseUP was founded in 2012 as a youth development and mentoring program aimed at helping youth develop the skills needed to be the catalysts that inspire and uplift their community.
​
We launched RiseUP University as an after-school and weekend program that connected youth with mentors and career coaches. The program also required youth to commit to community service. In 2015, the RiseUP University youth cohort decided to paint a large-mural in Hartford as part of their major service project. After that first mural, the RiseUP for Arts program was born.
​
RiseUP for Arts has grown to be the State of Connecticut's only state-wide public art nonprofit. ​
​
In addition to public art, RiseUP for Arts is still focused on youth development in each community mural project. RiseUP also partners and organizes creative placemaking experiences across Connecticut.
RISEUP FOR ARTS
RiseUP for Arts is a project started by the non-profit, The RiseUP Group, in 2015 to create public art that is inclusive and accessible for anyone.
We have completed over 250 mural and placemaking projects (and counting) throughout Connecticut, we work with 50+ local artists, partner with 100's of communities and organizations and host 1,000+ volunteers per year to help paint our murals. RiseUP for Arts creates public art through donations, grants, and community goodwill.
We support artists, cities, other nonprofits, companies, and local community members in making their mural projects come to life. We help create the vision and manage the entire process to beautify communities through public art.
$1M+
Invested in Public Art
​
100+
Artists Partnered we've Partnered With
30+
Towns & Cities We've Created Public Art In
250+
Creative Projects Completed
​
RiseUP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
​
RiseUP for Arts is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of our public art and placemaking initiatives. We believe that public art should reflect and celebrate the diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities of the communities we serve.
​
To advance accessibility for artists of color in Connecticut, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for artists from underrepresented communities to participate in our projects and programs. We believe that by fostering a more diverse and inclusive public art landscape, we can help to create more equitable and sustainable communities.
​
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, our partnerships, and the content of our public art projects. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where all artists feel valued, respected and supported.
​
We recognize that there is still work to be done to achieve true diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public art sector, and we are committed to continuing to work toward this goal.
​
DEI IN ACTION
Since 2020
$400k+
Paid to BIPOC Creatives
Since 2020
# 70+
Partnered with BIPOC Creatives
Board of Directors
60%
BIPOC Directors
PLACEMAKING
While placemaking is most often associated with revitalizing public spaces, what is often overlooked are the tangible economic benefits of placemaking in communities.
RiseUP For Arts and Blue Haus Group are specialists in placemaking and community economic development. We work for real estate developers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations (often a combination of the three) on revitalizing urban space and creating clean, safe, and active places that create value and stimulate economic development.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
NEW DOWNTOWN MANCHESTER EVENT WILL ACTIVATE PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY STREET
The Off-Main Experience (The Experience) is a new event coming to Purnell Place in Downtown Manchester on Thursdays throughout July from 5:00PM-8:00PM (July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29). The Off-Main Experience is a collaboration between two of Connecticut’s placemaking experts, RiseUP for Arts and Blue Haus Group along with the Downtown Manchester Special Service District.
THE "ART MANIFESTATION": LARGEST GROUP ART SHOW IN CONNECTICUT
The ‘ART maniFESTation’ is your invitation to indulge in a creative, experiential event that unifies and highlights Connecticut’s Creativity.
This festival will feature a mural competition, interactive art installations, workshops, live music & entertainment, an eclectic ARTisan market, and food trucks.
RACIAL EQUITY PAINTING UNVEILED IN EAST HARTFORD
Diversity is being celebrated in East Hartford with a new large-scale mural.
RiseUP just unveiled its racial equity mural. It honors the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King.
​
There are messages and symbols of hope and inspiration in the mural.
RISEUP ASSISTING WITH MURAL SERIES
Like most urban centers, Hartford has its share of walls tagged by graffiti. RiseUP is also deeply committed to the current and future vitality of its home city, Hartford. Therefore, its involvement in the 2017 Hartford Peace, Love, and Unity Mural Series should come as no surprise.
RISEUP GROUP YOUTH SCHOLARS ENTER U OF NEXT
The RiseUP Group is pleased to announce that its Youth Scholars are participating in a dynamic personal development program, called U of Next...Developed by author, educator, and Executive Coach Al Bhatt and Organization Development Consultant Johnathan Davis.
RISEUP COMMUNITY MURAL 2016
In a time when Hartford is on the news for violence, bankruptcy, and a stadium that no one wanted, local artists have painted a mural that highlights so many amazing things the city has to offer. This mural will welcome thousands of people into Hartford every day and shine a positive light on the city to every car driving down Interstate 91-South.
WNPR NEWS: HARTFORD PROGRAM HELPS KIDS HELP EACH OTHER
When kids want to volunteer, they're often told what to do by adults. But the RiseUP Group in Hartford is a little different. The non-profit asks young people to create their own events and programs, to help them develop leadership skills and an appreciation for where they live.
HARTFORD MAGNET SCHOOL PUSHED UNDERPERFORMING STUDENT TO WITHDRAW
When education advocates talk about equity in Hartford, the perception that magnet schools do not teach their fair share of struggling students, even pushing out children who are lagging academically, is often part of the conversation. That viewpoint has gained more attention in recent days after Matt Conway, head of the mentoring group RiseUP, posted a letter from the Sport and Medical Sciences Academy that he said was sent to the mother of a seventh-grader at the school who is in RiseUP's tutoring program.
HARTFORD NONPROFIT OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO LOCAL YOUTH
RiseUP, a non-profit organization aimed at helping Hartford’s youth, and CareCentrix, a home health care provider, teamed up last month to help students learn about career opportunities. It’s just one of the many partnerships RiseUP created with local businesses to provide opportunities for urban youth.
OUR BOARD
We would also like to thank our many advisors and mentors throughout the year that have helped guide the organization with their wisdom and knowledge.
Robert Otaluka- Interim Chairman
Matt Conway- President
Trisana Spence- Secretary
Max Amster- Co-Vice President
Ryan Demadis- Co-Vice President
Harry Amadasun- Director
Carmen Conway- Director
Gerina Fullwood- Director