Poverty and the Arts

Poverty and the Arts (POVA) is a social enterprise nonprofit that exists to equip people impacted by homelessness with the creative resources, training, and marketplace to overcome barriers to employment and income by leveraging their creative talent, participating in developmental workshops, and establishing vital social networks and relationships. The POVA Artist Collective provides a professional art studio setting, artist grade art supplies, artistic and business workshops, and gallery exhibition and representation to 12+ artists impacted by homelessness in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, mixed media, sewing, printmaking, and more so they can have the opportunity to create and sell their work. The program is further enriched by trips to museums, galleries, and artists’ studios. POVA artists develop a working portfolio and exhibit in the POVA Gallery, as well as venues across the city.