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RiseUP's Frequently Asked Questions

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Your Questions, Answered

Welcome to RiseUP’s FAQ page! Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our mission, programs, and how you can join us in creating positive change through art and leadership.

  • RiseUP is Connecticut’s leading nonprofit for public art, youth leadership, and creative engagement. Founded in 2012, RiseUP empowers communities and inspires youth through public art, leadership programs, workforce development, and accessible design. The organization has completed over 300 murals and placemaking projects statewide, impacting thousands of youth and partnering with businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits.

  • RiseUP was founded by a group of recent UConn graduates in 2012 as a volunteer-run youth mentoring program in Hartford, Connecticut. The organization began with three core pillars: Support, Access, and Service, providing mentorship, tutoring, career exposure, and community service opportunities for underserved youth.
    What started as a small initiative to empower young people through leadership and creativity has grown into a statewide movement blending public art, youth development, workforce training, and inclusive design. Today, RiseUP continues to honor its roots by integrating those founding values into all programs.

  • 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 values guide every initiative—whether it’s a mural or a home improvement project:

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    • Belonging – Creating spaces and opportunities where everyone feels included.

    • Access – Ensuring art, design, and employment pathways are accessible to all.

    • Service – Giving back through creativity and practical solutions for communities.

    • Creativity – Inspiring innovation in art and problem-solving in workforce development.

    • Support – Building strong collaborations with schools, municipalities, and businesses.

    • Equity – Promoting fairness and representation in art and employment.

  • We manage end-to-end projects including murals, placemaking, landscape and light construction projects, and school-based leadership programs. Our work spans:

    • RiseUP for Arts: Statewide public art and placemaking initiative, beautifying neighborhoods through murals and community-driven projects.

    • Creative Leadership Program (CLP): Hands-on arts and leadership development for youth, including mural creation and community art installations.

    • Elevate Leadership Program: Civic engagement and workforce readiness through service projects, public art installations, and leadership training. (This replaces the Service Leadership Program.)

    • Able Solutions (Able Table Initiative): Inclusive public space enhancements, designing and installing universally accessible picnic tables.

    • RiseUP Home & Commercial Services: Workforce development and job training for second-chance citizens and housing-insecure individuals.

  • Our vision is to create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut where:

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    • Public art sparks connection and pride.

    • Youth have leadership and creative opportunities that shape their future.

    • Every public space is accessible and welcoming.

    • Workforce development provides stable jobs, skill-building, and economic mobility.

    • Creativity and service together drive social impact and community resilience.

  • We believe empowerment happens through representation and opportunity:

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    • Engaging diverse artists and community members in co-creation.

    • Providing second-chance employment through RiseUP Home and Commercial Services.

    • Designing inclusive spaces with ADA-compliant solutions like Able Table.

    • Maintaining a board and leadership team committed to equity and representation.

  • Partners identify a site or program goal. RiseUP handles community engagement, design workshops, artist selection, permitting, and installation.

  • RiseUP engages youth in creative problem-solving, mentorship, career exposure, and community service. Programs like CLP and Elevate Leadership blend arts education with leadership training, helping students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and project management skills.

  • Able Table at Claytor Academy_Bridgeport

    Able Table is our inclusive design initiative that provides ADA-compliant outdoor furniture and accessibility solutions.

  • 2024 Home and Commercial Excavator Landscaping.jpeg

    RiseUP Home and Commercial Services is our workforce development arm offering landscaping, painting, and home improvement services while creating employment opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance. Learn more at www.riseuphandyservices.com.

  • 2023 Home and Commercial Ty Tony Matt.JPEG

    Landscaping, property maintenance, painting, and commercial contracting services delivered by trained crews committed to quality and community impact.

  • Visit riseuphandyservices.com to request a quote or schedule services.

  • RiseUP sustains its mission through a diverse mix of funding sources, including:

    • Grants & Government Contracts: State, federal, municipal, and private foundation support.

    • Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships: Businesses investing in community impact.

    • Individual Donations & Fundraising Campaigns: Contributions from supporters statewide.

    • Fee-for-Service Projects: Commissioned murals, consulting, and creative placemaking initiatives.

    • Social Enterprise Activities:

      • RiseUP Home & Commercial Services – Providing contracting and property improvement services while creating workforce development opportunities.

      • Private Canvas & Mural Commissions – Custom art projects for businesses and individuals.

      • Able Table Sales – Universally accessible picnic tables designed for inclusion and public art.

      • Other Creative Solutions – Innovative products and services that align with our mission.

    • Increased sense of belonging and community pride.

    • Positive school climate indicators.

    • Engagement with local art and cultural storytelling.

    • Employment pathways and skill-building through workforce development.

    • Documented impact reports for funders and partners.

  • You can sponsor a project, volunteer, or collaborate on a mural or leadership program. Contact us at info@theriseupgroup.org or complete our Creative Impact Team form:

  • You can donate online through our secure portal (link below) or by mailing a check to The RiseUP Group, Inc. PO Box 110, East Granby, CT 06026. Every contribution supports public art projects, youth programs, and inclusive design initiatives.

    Donate Today

  • Your donation directly funds:

    • Community murals and placemaking projects.

    • Youth leadership programs like Elevate and Creative Leadership.

    • Inclusive design solutions such as Able Table.

    • Workforce development for second-chance employment.

  • Artists can apply to join our RiseUP Artist Network via the website, participate in mural projects, workshops, and collaborate on school-based programs. Submit your portfolio to the RiseUP Art Club, today.

    Register for the Art Club!

  • Membership offers creative workspace, networking opportunities, and collaboration on public art projects. Apply online at theriseupgroup.org/studios.

  • Yes! Volunteers help with community engagement, mural painting, event support, and youth program facilitation. 

    Get Involved!

  • Absolutely. We offer tiered sponsorship packages with recognition benefits, media exposure, and employee engagement opportunities. Contact us at sponsor@theriseupgroup.org for details.

  • Yes! RiseUP provides unique, impactful team-building experiences that combine creativity, community service, and fun. Corporate groups can participate in activities such as:

    • Art4Hope Kit Assembly: Create art therapy kits for children at CT Children’s Medical Center.

    • Team Art Projects: Collaborate on mural painting or other creative art-making activities.

    • Able Table Assembly: Build universally accessible picnic tables that promote inclusion in public spaces.

    • Public Art Tours: Explore Connecticut’s vibrant mural projects and learn about their community impact.

    • Corporate Lunch & Learn: Enjoy a meal while engaging in discussions about art, leadership, and social impact.

    • Neighborhood Cleanups: Help beautify local communities through hands-on service projects.

    • Other Custom Experiences: We can design tailored activities to align with your company’s goals and values.

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