Refuge Lowell is an art school that provides a safe, equitable space for local students to explore their talents and develop as artists through nurturing, mentorship, and rigorous arts instruction regardless of background. Refuge began in 2014 as a literal “refuge” for youth artists seeking a safe space, guidance, and direction and continues to this day promoting art education within a community as a civil right. The heart of our mission is to bridge the inequity gaps in the public school system by identifying talented students who may not have access to enrichment in the arts. We do this by providing scholarships so that all of our students have the opportunity to develop as professional artists, creative problem-solvers, and compassionate critical thinkers within their community.