who we are
Our Misson
The mission of DREAMS is to create a culture of confidence for youth and teens through equitable access to arts education supported by the values of respect, family, and community.
Our Story
Established in 1997, DREAMS of Wilmington is a youth development organization that is dedicated to creating a culture of confidence for youth and teens, through equitable access to arts education, supported by the values of respect, family, and community.
In 2007, DREAMS received the Coming Up Taller Award, given annually by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities to the nation's top after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs.
Today, we provide free-of-charge arts programming to more than 600 young people and their families each year. We offer more than 40 classes per week at 6 different sites in the Wilmington, NC area, including our newly renovated, 12,000 square foot inner-city center on Wilmington’s North Side. This space features our 4,000 square foot performance venue and multipurpose space, "The Garage at DREAMS."
You’ll find DREAMS programming at public housing sites, city recreation centers, and in after-school and out-of-school programs across New Hanover County.
We employ more than 20 teaching artists who share our passion of creating a world where every child has the right to self-expression and the opportunity to grow into the person that they are and wish to become.
Additionally, we have the following initiatives: Public Art, Visiting Artists, Teen Council, Family Engagement, Dance Theatre of DREAMS (DTD), The Garage at DREAMS, and The Gallery at DREAMS.
our vision
Creating a Culture of Confidence
At DREAMS Center for Arts Education, we believe every child has the right to creative self-expression and should be given the opportunity to grow into the person that they are and wish to become – trying new things in a supportive space where they are encouraged to take creative risks, embrace their inner uniqueness, and reach for the stars. The arts are foundational to the well-being and personal growth of all people, and we believe every barrier to access and participation should be removed, especially for youth and teens. Big dreams thrive here!
Creating Confidence Through Equity
Every day, we work hard to show our students through action and art, what it means to be respectful, inclusive, to have integrity, to show compassion, and to hold ourselves and others accountable to doing what is right. Dance, music, visual art, theatre – the power of the arts is more relevant than ever and the value of creative self-expression has never been greater. In peaceful self-expression through art, our students can begin to process the avalanche of emotions they are facing and to share their thoughts on what matters, what is important, and what is right.
Today, more than ever, we stand by our Black and Brown students, families, friends, teaching artists, co-workers, brothers and sisters. More than that, we stand against systematic oppression, insidious racism, and anything and anyone who threatens the well-being and human dignity of the students who we serve – DREAMers.
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programs@dreamswilmington.org
PHONE
(910) 772-1501 OR (910) 623-8519
ADDRESS
901 Fanning ST Wilmington NC 28401
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Email: Programs@dreamswilmington.org
Call Anytime: (910)-772-1501