Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

There is a literacy crisis in America, and the reality facing young people in our region is alarming. Nearly 3 out of 5 students in Prince Georgeโ€™s County and 70% of students in Washington, DC are reading below grade-level proficiency. At the same time, one in three schools serving Black and Brown youth lacks access to theatre education, despite research showing that students involved in the performing arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. These are more than statistics. They are children whose opportunities, confidence, and futures are at risk without greater access to literacy and arts education.

A group of diverse happy children in a library, smiling and posing for the camera with books on the table in front of them.

Mission

The Heart of Art is a non-profit organization dedicated to using the performing arts as a gateway to foster literacy, education, creativity and community building. We empower children and youth by offering programs that combine the magic of storytelling with the transformative power of the arts. It is our mission to ignite hearts through the arts, enriching lives and connecting communities.

Vision


The Heart of Art is committed to fostering creativity and personal growth by providing equitable access to the performing arts and education. We empower children and youth in underserved communities while promoting racial equity through our programs.

Graphic illustrating core values of Hope, Empowerment, Access to the Arts, Reading for Education, and Togetherness in Community with colorful capital initials H, E, A, R, T.

Smiling woman holding a pink spiral notebook, wearing a white shirt, gray vest, and red bracelet, with a heart-shaped detail on her collar.

"We aren't waiting for permission to help build stronger communities. Communities are built through communication. Communication is built through literacy. And long before literacy, there was art."

-Founder and Executive Director, ChiChi Roberts

Partner With Us!

๐ŸŽญ Bring the Stage to Young Hearts

Looking to ignite creativity, confidence, and connection in your students? Partner with us to bring Get Lit or Stay Lit to life in your school or community space.

Just a few details, and weโ€™ll take it from there. We canโ€™t wait to bring the spotlight to your scholars.