About Us

Founded in 2009, Red Hook Art Project (RHAP) is a non-profit organization that provides free visual art, music, academic and stress management instruction to children and youth who live in and around Red Hook, Brooklyn. Operating out of a corner storefront in the heart of Red Hook, RHAP organizes our community of 30 volunteers—artists, musicians, writers, doctors and other practitioners—to teach and mentor our students on a weekly basis. Our classes are intentionally small, and we strive to give each student individual attention during each class. Our pedagogical approach is rooted in responding to our students interests and needs with special attention to activities that build self-confidence and problem solving skills. We see our program as a fun, enriching, and supportive supplement to the academic curriculum of school. RHAP would like to thank and acknowledge Deirdre Swords for founding this organization and her ten years of committed work.

RHAP’S MISSION

RHAP’s mission is rooted in the conviction that creative self-expression is a transformative experience that enriches individuals and communities. As an organization, we work to provide a space where young people feel safe and supported as they develop their voices through artistic projects and activities. We cultivate an environment of playfulness and experimentation, while challenging our older students to help each other strengthen their individual voices through supportive criticism. The experiences of creative problem solving and self-expression that underlie our program generate self-confidence and a sense of agency in our students. We believe that these qualities meaningfully contribute to the well-being of our students, their communities, and ultimately encourage engaged citizenship.

WHERE WE ARE GOING

Our goal is to continue to improve RHAP’s strength as a community center serving 95 children and youth and furthering the wholeness of a diverse community through our specialized pedagogy and curriculum with the long-term goal of creating a template that can be followed by similar endeavors in multiple communities.

WHAT WE DO

RHAP organizes working professionals and educators to volunteer a few hours a week on an ongoing basis giving free homework help, visual art lessons and music lessons to children and youth between the ages of 7 and 18. Our classes follow our pedagogy, classroom guidelines and curriculum. We build a unique community of adults and children that reaches beyond the confines of school-based education. We provide opportunities to develop community, leadership, teamwork,discipline, social justice and economic life learning skills. 

WHO WE SERVE

90% of the students we serve come from low income families and are eligible for the reduced-price free breakfast and lunch. 95% are living in low income housing developments in and near to the Red Hook community. We serve 75% Hispanics, 20% African Americans and 5% white students.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RHAP expanded its efforts to meet the compounded needs of Red Hook children, families, and the community. Our mutual aid efforts addressed food insecurity, distributing over $350,000 in in-kind food donations, hot meals, PPE, diapers, and other necessities. This response highlighted that RHAP is much more than an arts organization; it is a trusted community hub integral to the fabric of the neighborhood.

In 2023 alone we accomplished:

5,171

Meals distributed to the community

3

Free stores organized by RHAP

2

Community Refrigerators

RHAP’s mission is rooted in the conviction that creative self-expression is a transformative experience that enriches individuals and communities.

9 Core Values

  • EMBRACE CREATIVITY
    Feel the freedom to express yourself. Use your imagination. Create with curiosity and exploration. Take risks and go into new territory. Embrace the beauty and the power that your creativity reveals.

  • DEDICATE YOURSELF TO YOUR GIFTS
    Bring passion and responsibility to your talents. Bring your gifts to the learning process. Dedicate yourself to your gift, and it will become an asset.

  • BE PATIENT
    Take your time; do not rush in following the direction your learning takes. Learn from the challenges you face (both hard tasks and "mistakes") so that they can lead you to discoveries.

  • SHOW KINDNESS
    Be gentle, understanding, and compassionate towards your neighbor and yourself. Offer to help. Look for opportunities to be a mentor to younger members of your community.

  • UNDERSTAND YOURSELF
    Learn to be aware of how you are feeling and thinking, and how that affects your actions/reactions. Learn your needs and how to take care of them. Think about how your actions and words can affect others.

  • COMMUNICATE HONESTLY
    Be bold and explain yourself with transparency. Express your feelings and thoughts to others. Listen to others with openness and understanding. Trust that you will be seen and heard.

  • COLLABORATE
    Join the team and show your fellow team members respect and trust. Be flexible in group discussions. Support and empower one another to accomplish great things.

  • ACT FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
    Be the change you want to see. Help your neighbors be the change you want to see. Help make the world a better place for yourself and others. Be responsible leaders in your communities.

  • CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSITY
    A multi-racial, multi-cultural community that celebrates and welcomes all with open arms.