Letter from Our Executive Director

Curiosity is a strong desire to learn or know something, to understand, and to ask questions. We are all born with it, driven to explore what is possible. And when that learning is nurtured and transformed into new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new possibilities, you get Marwen.

For many young people from marginalized communities, the idea of new possibilities may feel limited or out of reach. Marwen creates spaces where curiosity can thrive and where possibilities become expansive. For more than 500 young people each year, our studio courses introduce new mediums and cultivate advanced skill development. Our pathway programs build professional skills and open doors to career paths where those skills can be applied.

Zeb is a graffiti artist alum who returned to teach at Marwen and now works in fine arts handling. He fondly notes that his drive to create spaces for young people to make something for themselves is what inspired him to teach, because that space was created for him.

Taylor is an alum who now leads her own catering company. Although her time at Marwen was brief, she connects her flair for creatively crafting memorable dining experiences to her foundational years in communities that nurtured creativity.

Zeb and Taylor are not alone. There are thousands of stories, and I am one of them. More than 15,000 young people have discovered new possibilities through Marwen’s programming and community. We have applied the skills we developed, charted our own paths, and allowed curiosity to guide us forward. Each of us walked through those doors, saw endless possibilities, and continues to make our passionately curious mark on the world.

Your support is far more than a donation to an arts program. It is an investment in the creative and life skill development of Chicago youth. Join me in nurturing curiosity.

Thank you for your belief in our mission, our values, and our future.

With gratitude,

Akilah Halley

Executive Director & Alumna