Our Mission
Marwen educates and inspires young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community.
Since its inception in 1987, Marwen has provided free visual art classes to over 15,000 young people, reaching every one of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. Art isn’t simply a subject here—it’s a pathway for growth, self-discovery, and a brighter future. For many in under-resourced areas, Marwen offers what is often out of reach: access to quality arts education, academic and career counseling, a welcoming community, and professional development opportunities that transcend the classroom.
Values & Beliefs That Drive Us
We value belonging, lived experience, joy, collaboration, and imagination. We believe access to art and creativity is an essential human right and need.
We believe that young people have critical and vital stories to tell and the power to imagine and create our future.
We believe art is a tool for connection, healing, growth, and justice and that artists drive and create social change.
Our Impact in Numbers
The concept of free art education sounds simple, but its transformative impact echoes through the lives of young people forever. Since opening in 1987…
15500+
Young People Enrolled at Marwen
1500+
Unique visual arts courses designed and taught by Chicago artists
200+
Paid internships offered at Marwen and in creative spaces across Chicago
In Their Words
“I have always been kind of shy, but I feel like at the end of being at Marwen, I felt more confident in my art and myself. Marwen has been a welcoming spot for me. I told my friends to sign up for Marwen. It’s a cool place.”
Basil
Marwen Student
“Marwen’s career fair changed my life. I just graduated from DePaul with my BFA!”
Marwen Alum
Chicago
“We get to go to museums and see exhibits…I love getting to learn about other artists and new types of art.”
Marwen Young Artist
High School
“Marwen is like home for an artist. As a teaching artist, I strive to have every voice in the room respected.”
Marwen Teaching Artist
Chicago
Transparency is Key
To ensure programs remain free to all participants, Marwen is sustained by a combination of individual donors, grants, and corporate sponsors.
Those Who Make It Possible
The generosity of our organizational and event sponsors — including philanthropists, creatives, and civic leaders across Chicago and beyond — allows Marwen to expand programming for young people to flourish as artists, creative thinkers, leaders, and thriving adults across Chicago and beyond.
Get Involved and Support Marwen’s Mission
There are many ways to support and stay engaged with Marwen, including monthly giving, sponsorship, commissions, alumni association, volunteering, outreach opportunities, and more.