The Smart Project, established in 2019, is a free Dallas-based youth creative art program (nonprofit). The idea of starting a supportive creative youth program was formed by founder, Nitashia Johnson, in 2015. She later began making this idea a reality with a small passionate team in 2018. As a result, the first creative workshop ran the following year in the fall of 2019. This program offers 8th - 12th-grade students from underserved backgrounds creative lesson plans focusing on photography, digital media, and traditional visual art techniques, as well as providing creative teaching opportunities.
Students that are able to engage with our workshops will learn about various art forms and concepts, gain hands-on experience in creating art, and the opportunity to work alongside our Teaching Artists. We have worked with local, nationwide, and international students. Through this program we focus on building personal and creative relationships within the community for the students to make connections that will help their future.
We are committed to supporting students from various diverse backgrounds and communities. We are excited to work and flourish with the generous support of future partners, team contributions, community donations, grants, and individual supporters.
Our mission is to prepare students for college and career readiness by giving them the tools needed to succeed as multimedia artists. We believe that all students are capable of achieving success in their chosen field of study. This is what motivates The Smart Project. Through the program, students will create portfolio pieces and gain confidence in their ability to succeed.
The Smart Project program runs at the South Dallas Cultural Center, where we continue to build our presence and expand the work we’ve done with students. While we’ve made strides with equipment, we are still seeking additional support to ensure students have full access to the technology and resources needed for our digital media and photography workshops.
With your support, TSP will continue our traditional visual arts workshops, expand our digital media programming, and grow new initiatives like the Artist Inspired Lecture Series, which brings working artists to speak and mentor students. We are also proud to launch the Senior Art Fund, designed to provide graduating seniors with resources to continue their creative practice beyond high school. These additions strengthen our mission of preparing young creatives for the next steps in their journey while deepening their connection to art, storytelling, and community.
Inspiring a future of innovative youth through creative education. The program is constantly recruiting individuals who feel the same as we do.
Our Teaching Artists are trained professionals in the field who help educate the students as they prepare for their creative future. We are committed to supporting students from various diverse backgrounds and communities. We are excited to work and flourish with the generous support of future partners, team contributions, community donations, grants, and individual supporters.
Organization name
The Smart Project, Inc
Causes
Arts & Humanities
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Address
3400 S Fitzhugh Ave,