About Stay Arts

Stay Arts emerged from a need for greater access to art programs, spaces, and resources in Southeast Los Angeles. Since 2010, we’ve created pathways for our community to thrive – supporting local artists through paid opportunities and public exhibitions, engaging thousands of students and families through arts education, and developing public art projects with schools, businesses, and community organizations across the region.

Who we are

Stay Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening arts access and representation through high-quality arts education, commissioned art projects, and community art programs. Our mission is to engage, inspire, and empower local artists, youth, and families through the transformative power of the arts, design, creative exploration, and cultural expression.

What we do

We create space and opportunity for people to engage with the arts. Our work provides arts education to thousands of students and supports local artists through exhibitions, commissions, and teaching opportunities, building an ecosystem across Southeast Los Angeles where artists, youth, and community grow together through the arts.

We provide high-quality visual and performing arts education through school partnerships across the region, youth classes at Stay Studio, and mentorship opportunities for young artists. Grounded in social-emotional learning, cultural relevance, and process-based artmaking, our programs build confidence, support mental and emotional wellbeing, and nurture a lifelong relationship with the arts.
We work with organizations on commissioned murals, art installations, and custom creative projects that enrich and transform public spaces. As a bridge between artists and large-scale opportunities, we prioritize representation and fair compensation that ensures artists are valued and reflected in the cultural landscape.
Our community offerings inspire creativity and connection at Stay Studio and throughout the region. Rooted in the grassroots spirit that shaped Stay Arts, they reflect our deep responsiveness to community needs. Through exhibitions, art markets, public events, and interactive experiences, we create accessible ways for people of all ages to engage with the arts and celebrate local creativity.

Our home, Stay Studio

Stay Studio is our creative space in Downtown Downey. Since 2012, we’ve provided a home for hands-on learning, artistic exploration, and connection for artists, students, and families throughout Southeast Los Angeles.

Visit Stay Studio

Our Team

Made up of local artists, our team reflects the same neighborhoods and experiences as our students. Together, we share our passion for art, education, and community connection.