Art Sanctuary, founded in North Philadelphia, uses the power of black art to transform individuals, unite groups of people, and enrich, and draw inspiration from the inner city.  The organization invites established and aspiring artists to help create excellent lectures, performances, and educational programs. In addition to regular monthly programming, Art Sanctuary annually hosts an African American arts festival, during which writers discuss their work with up to 1,500–2,000 students, and another 2,000–3,000 people participate in panels, workshops, the basketball tournament, teachers’ symposium, Family Pavilion, main stage, and other events.

Says Cary, ‘I founded this organization in 1998 because art has been my sanctuary and sanctuary must be shared; and because arts excellence rises out of the inner city, and ought to cycle through it. We need our artists, thinkers, prophets, and seers.  Their presence among us heals—like using our own blood for a transfusion of wisdom and hope. To create a sanctuary for art, we use the best business we can put into practice—and then, with help from partners, funders, and friends, seek to improve every year.”

To learn more, visit http://www.artsanctuary.org