We focus on what matters most to children: How they view themselves. We employ the arts as a dynamic activity for holistic identity development. For personal betterment, we inspire students to reframe their identity as “artist athletes;” for social betterment, we motivate them to become “creative empaths.”
1. Arts Olympiad
Our free-of-charge school art program transforms self-identity for higher-order thinking and enhanced self-worth through fostering creativity and promoting physical activity to counter the epidemic of declining creativity and rising obesity.
The Arts Olympiad introduces students to the "Artist-Athlete Ideal" of the creative mind and a healthy body (mente sana in corpo sano). The coalescing of artistic and athletic mindsets sprouts outside-the-box thinking and instills healthy lifestyles.
Because of the program's national significance, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has granted ICAF an exclusive license to use the "Arts Olympiad" mark.
2. World Children's Festival
The Arts Olympiad school art contest winners from the participating U.S. school districts and countries convene at their World Children's Festival (WCF) to celebrate the American values of Creativity, Diversity, and Unity.
The WCF workshops, training, and activities are designed to provide a transformative experience that infuses children's creativity with empathy, inspiring them to become "creative empaths" who can work together to make the world a better place.
3.ChildArt Magazine
Objective: Creative and empathic development of young readers. Published ad-free since 1998, ChildArt is a unique magazine focusing on a single theme for each issue. Recent themes include Creativity, Human Security, Young Leaders, The Power of Words, Mindfulness, Metaverse, Animal Art, and Dance.
4. Special Programs
ICAF conducts Healing Art Programs to restore faith in nature of child victims of natural disasters and Peace through Art Programs to revive trust in humanity of children in conflict zones.
Impact
Over the past twenty-five years, ICAF has changed the world for children. More than five million schoolchildren have benefited from ICAF's free-of-charge programs. An estimated two million students, parents, and teachers have attended ICAF festivals, exhibitions, and conferences in over twenty major cities worldwide. ChildArt Quarterly’s readership has grown to about 220,000.
Funding
Recent supporters include the National Endowment of the Art, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Robert J. Bauer Family Foundation, Cretors Family Foundation, Skillman Foundation, Singing Field Foundation, and Ward & MM Family Fund.
Individual donors fund about one-half of ICAF program expenses. ICAF is independently ranked among the 25 Top Children's Charities in the United States.
ICAF is currently raising funds to organize the 7th World Children's Festival at the National Mall across the U.S. Capitol. We appreciate your support.
Fundraisers
Donors
Stacey Orden In loving memory of Rosalie Blumenthal, who welcomed me into her home with warmth and love. May her memory be a blessing. Stacey and Zach Orden
Lauren Burke We gave in honor of Ada Whitney and her sweet family ❤️
Felicia Ferrante Ashfaq Ishaq congrats on new website
Kathy Lewis