Daybreak Arts, power of art to help those experiencing homelessness

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Nicole Minyard, Founder and Executive Director of Daybreak Arts, who shares her personal journey and what led her to establish a nonprofit in Nashville, Tennessee, that uses art as a therapeutic and economic development tool to support individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization has grown from a small art program to a comprehensive operation supporting 30 artists through studio space, gallery opportunities, and various income streams including teaching and merchandise sales. Daybreak Arts has served over 120 artists and paid out over $100k to artists impacted by homelessness in Nashville since 2014. Through programs like their "Artist Collective" and "Shared Walls" and their community engagement initiatives, Daybreak Arts not only provides economic support but also challenges stereotypes and builds meaningful connections between artists and the broader community.

Art for the Homeless
Journey Nicole Minyard, Founder and Executive Director of Daybreak Arts, shares her journey from a high school student in Kentucky to launching a nonprofit focused on using art to support those experiencing homelessness. She describes her initial exposure to homelessness through a church member in Louisville, which challenged her stereotypes and led her to pursue a similar path in Nashville while as a student at Belmont University. Nicole's experience with Room in the Inn, a local organization supporting those experiencing homelessness, further inspired her to establish Daybreak Arts, leveraging art as a therapeutic and economic development tool to connect with and support homeless individuals.

Daybreak Arts: Empowering Homeless Artists
Nicole describes the evolution of Daybreak Arts from a small art program to a comprehensive organization supporting 30 artists impacted by homelessness and housing insecurity. The organization provides a studio and gallery space in East Nashville where artists can create, display, and sell their work through various income streams including teaching and merchandise. Nicole further explains their "Artist Collective" program and then details their "Shared Walls" program, which allows businesses or families to sponsor art pieces created by artists, with proceeds supporting both the sponsor and artists transitioning into housing.

Artist Community and Support Impact
Nicole shares that while income was initially thought to be the primary need for artists, feedback consistently shows that community relationships and support are more impactful. She explains that artists appreciate having a community where they can share their talents and feel understood, noting that many have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the community and earn income, which they often use to purchase necessities or share with others. She highlights how this program changes perceptions of homelessness by showcasing the artists' talents and normalizing their experiences, emphasizing that these are individuals with immense abilities who have faced challenging circumstances.

Empowering Art Through Community Support
Nicole discusses Daybreak Arts' mission to challenge stereotypes and connect with the community through art created by individuals experiencing homelessness. She highlights the diversity of their Artist Collective and emphasizes that medical issues often precede homelessness, rather than drug addiction. Nicole explains various ways the community can support Daybreak Arts, including purchasing art, making donations, or volunteering. She also shares her personal growth as a leader, attributing it to early start, building a strong team, and seeking advice from experienced professionals.

Visit https://daybreakarts.org to learn more and to get involved with Daybreak Arts.