p:ear helps youth heal through art

One by one, disenfranchised youth from Portland streets arrive at p:ear, accompanied by histories of abuse, neglect and trauma. p:ear staff tends to the needs of as many as 65 youth daily, helping wounds heal and giving their futures a boost.

In 2024 p:ear mentors will include prominent cultural icons from disciplines including painting, sculpting, mural design and videography through the BIPOC Artist in Residence program, funded in part by a grant of $16,250 from the Cultural Trust.

Artist and p;ear staff member Kanani Miyamoto puts it like this, “We provide Oregon youth a strong sense of belonging, identity and connection to place with our art programming. They are comfortable and confident in the city we live in. Being exposed to the arts broadens their perspectives, encourages open-mindedness and promotes empathy.”

Story by Peter Murphy

If supporting programs like this matters to you, please take a moment to learn about the Cultural Tax Credit. 

#MakeCultureCount