ENGLEWOOD ARTS

In 2024, Englewood Arts fostered meaningful community engagement within an underserved community and designated Opportunity Zone, with 1,251 people participating in our programs. Highlights included 997 attending live music performances, 157 taking part in Glassblowing Make-Your-Owns, and 118 youth enrollments in our Summer Arts Camp. We expanded internships and volunteer involvement, with 25+ high-impact volunteers and more than 75 individuals participating in group volunteer activities. We served the regional community through affordable classes and performing arts events. Over 125 individuals engaged in artistic endeavors, including 41 music groups or solo performers, 8 resident artists activating our building, and 70+ artists in business and visual arts workshops. Our facility has also become a creative home where artists can grow, collaborate, and build their practice. Our commitment to community also extends to housing. In 2024, we helped new homeowners move to Western Independence by connecting them to affordable mortgage and loan opportunities previously unavailable in the area. These were made possible through partnerships with more than ten local lending institutions, which created specialized mortgage programs-many qualifying as CRA loans within our Opportunity Zone. In partnership with the City of Independence, we developed and secured approval of the West Central Independence Overlay District- designed to foster safe, walkable, and sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods with a variety of housing types that encourage interaction and community pride.