At BaseCamp we understand that Art is Important.  It's important for the development of kids lives at a biological, social and personal level.  For many children, learning to connect and find balance with their creativity offers the support of increased confidence and passive self-expression required to excel in other challenging areas of their lives.  

The One for One Art Project, inspired by the concept and model created in 2006 by the U.S. company Tom’s Shoes, honors this understanding while making art sessions accessible to children and youth in our community. The long term vision to see youth art programs established and re-established first in our own community of Squamish, BC then as far and wide as it can go!

Life is Busy. Art is Wellness

Bring Art Programing to Schools across BC.

Problem

The need for our solution exists in the general speed of today’s world. Kids are growing up faster. Too fast. Parents are undergoing extended hours in the workforce to fulfill the needs and wants of their families yet the economic divide is widening. Budget cuts in the public school system have diminished all but the essential educational criteria. Small towns struggle with unemployment and bored, uninspired youth. In Squamish alone, 1/3 of the populous is comprised of children and youth. The initial focus of the One for One Art Project lays within our own community by creating jobs that branch into the public school system, youth programs, childcare centers and local facilities to bring creativity back. Given time and resources the long term vision of the One for One Art Project is to see youth art programs established and re-established first in our own community of Squamish,BC then on to neighboring communities and eventually into global communities who would not normally have any exposure to art programs.

Solution

Our solution is a double sided offering. Firstly, the One for One Art Project offers financially stable families the opportunity to tap into the human desire to help others. What’s innovative about the One for One Art Project is it does this without the need to change their budget. With the registration of their own children they have automatically donated art classes forward. One for One. Our solution also offers children and youth the wide open freedom to access art lessons, build skills, discover talent and ultimately connect with the vast benefits of art and play. At BaseCamp we believe our product is not art classes specifically, our product is the pride and joy felt when a student creates an art piece and shares it with loved ones. Our product is the gained confidence and encouragement felt when a student believes in themselves and maybe even recognizes this artistic ability as valuable to their future. At a local level, we will directly put the solution in the hands of users or beneficiaries by delivering the One for One Passes to our affiliate organizations of Howe Sound Women's Centre and Big Brothers Big Sisters. As BaseCamp grows into franchises, the One for One Art Project will also grow into neighboring communities as we connect with other local art initiatives, skilled teachers, professional artists and school systems. Global growth could occur by sheer accumulation of teachers, resources and community connections with like-minded people.

Example

Our solution makes a difference via several evolving routes that all remain connected. 1. In-Studio Model 2. School System Model. The following examples are simple yet ferociously effective and easily replicated. 1. In-Studio Model example: At BaseCamp we offer Drawing classes on Wednesdays from 3:45-5pm. Our first intake of classes had 6 registrants. For this class we hired a teacher - job creation - now 6 kids are living the benefits of art and have paid forward those advantages to 6 more kids through the One for One Art Project thus opening potential for more job creation. One for One creating a circle of community through Arts & Culture. It should be noted that BaseCamp, in our early stage, offers 5 classes per week plus art camps every Saturday. As we expand this model we increase social impact, job creation and initiative into classrooms. 2. School System Model example: We, BaseCamp Art Studios - One for One Art Project will bring skilled teachers, quality supplies and curriculum into Primary and Secondary classrooms on a semi-regular to regular basis. Our programs include Painting & Mixed Media, Drawing and Textile Arts. The One for One donations from our studio will contribute to this model as will our fundraising efforts and current/future partnerships.

Marketplace

Our peers are the children, youth, parents and affiliate organizations who have already contributed to the One for One Art Project. This early community has been pivotal in the forward momentum of our idea into concept into practice. We are inspired to move forward and grateful for the love! Our mandate is to work as and with our community. We have gained partnership with local recreation facilities, contributed to many local fundraisers and school events, started relationships with local realtors we’ve been featured in local papers and are linking with youth groups. At BaseCamp and with the One for One Art Project we want to work WITH other players so we all gain success and growth. It takes a village to raise a child...and art supplies help too! :)