The new Warehouse 21 returns as a diverse, inclusive, positive and welcoming Teen Arts Center, encouraging the creation of art, involvement in public service, mentorships, and meaningful exchange among cross-cultural and socioeconomically diverse youth and community artists.
Our Mission
Warehouse 21 is a hub for youth engagement, development in the arts through mentorships, hands on education and youth led collaboration, and a learning lab for skills in the creative economy.
The new WH21 will continue to be oriented to the arts, but more devoted to learning by doing, intergenerational mentoring, collaboration and pathways to success through the creative economy, helping youth utilize arts and design as part of personal growth and career exploration. Many of the longstanding programs will continue, but are being updated. These include improv theater, music production, creative coding, and film appreciation.
Elliot Stern / Board President / Read Full Article
If you are interested in volunteering, participating in a workshop, collaborating with our mission, or renting space at Warehouse 21, please contact us!
The teens and school administrators we have interviewed all agree that Warehouse 21 is a valuable resource and should be revived. The CHRISTUS St. Vincent Community Needs Assessment 2017-2019 analyzed the data in the Youth Risk and resilience Survey (DOH) as well as focus group results and concluded there is a need for mentorship opportunities, development of literacy and communication skills through participation in aesthetic and cultural activities, and positive support environments for our youth.
Regarding location and ability to serve diverse youth who do not live or attend school in the area, W21 plans to address this by providing free and low-cost programming in the evenings to attract youth, providing transportation, and offering programs offsite in conjunction with other partners.
Santa Fe has a population of close to 84,000 people. Approximately 12,000 youth residents ages 8 - 24 could be considered potential participants in W21 programming.
W21 seeks to serve 20% of local youth and visitors in the greater Santa Fe region, with key users visiting the facility or participating in outreach programming weekly, friends gathering or participating in mentoring sessions, classes or programmed events monthly, and a general audience visiting or participating 1-3 times annually.
44% of youth in Santa Fe County aren’t involved in music, art, literature, sports or a hobby. Not being involved in these activities is related to feelings of sadness or hopelessness as well as engagement in risky behaviors.
