Warehouse 21

Since 1997, Warehouse 21 has served thousands of our city's youth (aged 12-21) and young adults (aged 20-30) in the performing, media and visual arts. W21 has consistently supported youth employment throughout its existence and has partnered and developed community service programs with schools and court systems. The unique approach of Warehouse 21... fosters a particular type of creative energy that is exemplified through project-based learning models, youth access to artistic resources and instruction, and a practical "do-it-yourself" ethic that fosters artistic independence and entrepreneurialism. W21 has presented over 1,200 multidisciplinary events and over 1,000 after-school and summer programs involving over 48,000 people during its 12-year history. Youth at W21 are paid stipends for their work in graphics, public relations, design, silkscreen printing, mural art, administration, web design, curation, promotion, acting, radio, journalism, photography, video filmmaking and editing, advertising, music production, media literacy and technical work. They also have opportunities to sell their art at exhibitions and through special projects during the year. These opportunities allow emerging young artists to be authentic and active participants in art making and social change happen through contemporary, traditional and alternative art modalities. Their ideas, perceptions and views comprise the elements of what youth culture today is in our community and create productive ways for the public to understand and benefit from their experiences and sub-cultures. Central to Warehouse 21's operations have always been collaborations that combine community resources. W21 is currently creating and maintaining strategic alliances with both emerging and established organizations such as: In January 2006, Warehouse 21's lease at its previous facility was terminated in order to make way for development of the Santa Fe Railyard. Demolition of W21's original builing occurred in April 2007. During the following 16 months the ...Read More