ASAP, the After School Arts Program, affirms young people as persons of value, nurtures their skill and talent in the arts, helps them realize their artistic gifts, and broadens their awareness of varieties of artistic expression.

Begun in the fall of 2007 as an outreach ministry of St. John's Lutheran Church in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, ASAP offers unique learning opportunities for at-risk 3rd-5th-grade students in Des Moines public schools.  The program connects arts-interested students with teaching artists in a variety of quality hands-on studios.

In 2009, Arts for the City, Inc., was created as an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization to administer ASAP, its flagship program.  Donations to ASAP are fully tax-deductible.

A Real Solution to a Real Need

Many young people in our community are underserved by the arts education offered in school. Yet for myriad reasons these students do not have access to the excellent enrichment programming offered by area arts organizations.  These kids need opportunities to develop their artistic talents and avenues to exercise self-expression.

ASAP, the After School Arts Program, works to connect these 3rd–5th graders in the heart of Des Moines with challenging, enriching arts experiences in a structured, supportive environment.

The After School Component

With the assistance of artists from the local community, ASAP offers studios in a variety of subjects. Studios are held after school during the academic year, and are 7 weeks in duration. Studios are organized to give students in-depth, hands-on experience in the mediums of their choice under the direct guidance of an experienced artist and several caring volunteers.

Students participating in the program are recommended by teachers who have identified their interest — and potential to benefit — during daily classroom experience.  Students may pay a token "tuition" of several dollars to help them build appreciation for the opportunity and to give them a vested interest in the program.  More than half the students enrolled in ASAP are unable to pay the fee so are fully subsidized by the program.  All other expenses for supplies and materials are covered by contributions to ASAP.

The After School Arts Program currently partners with King and Moulton elementary schools in Des Moines.  Additional partnerships will be pursued as funding becomes available.

Summer Arts Camp

In addition to the after-school component, ASAP launched the Summer Arts Camp program in 2009. Summer Arts Camp brought ASAP to Evelyn K. Davis Park, allowing all interested neighborhood children to explore their artistic interests.  Participants were invited to choose two studios per day over the course of four days, introducing them to 6 different art forms and a lot of hands-on fun, all free of charge.