The Art of Elysium
The Art of Elysium (TAOE), founded in 1997, is an American nonprofit organization that provides community arts programs and artist services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, it organizes monthly workshops in fashion, film, theater, music, and visual arts for communities facing challenges, while also rendering career resources for participating volunteer artists. In January 2016, the organization partnered with SAG-AFTRA and the American Film Institute to support President Obama's "Call to Arts" initiative to complete 1 million hours of mentorship for young artists. In February 2016, TAOE and Rabbit Bandini Productions co-launched Elysium Bandini Studios, a non-profit film studio and streaming entertainment network established to help financially support the charity. The organization has received additional financial contributions from its fundraising initiatives. The Art of Elysium has benefited 30,000 individuals annually. As well they have nurtured and supported over 2,150 artist a year History The Art of Elysium was established in 1997 by Jennifer Howell. After spending extensive time in hospitals visiting a dear friend Steven Hatton battling Leukemia, Jennifer saw the loneliness and isolation of sick children who's parents were doing their best to balance their responsibilities. One of his last wishes was for her to find a way to help those children. The Art of Elysium originally began as a way to provide arts programs for hospitalized children but has now grown to offer art workshops to struggling communities, artist resources, events, and charity fundraising. The name was derived from Greek mythology, incorporating "Elysium", a synonym for heaven. TAOE started with 33 volunteer artists. Its initial workshops were offered at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. In January 2008, the organization initiated the Heaven gala, an annual fundraiser. The following year, in 2009, it expanded operations to New York City. By 2012, the membership included 4,000 volunteer artists. The organization facilitated programs at 17 hospitals, hospices, special-needs schools and outpatient facilities in Los Angeles, and five hospitals in New York City. It later developed community programs for the elderly and homeless individuals. In December 2015, the organization announced a new chairman of the board, Timothy Headington, replacing Ryan Kavanaugh. In January 2016, it partnered with SAG-AFTRA and the American Film Institute to complete 1 million hours of mentorship for young artists. In February 2016, TAOE and Rabbit Bandini Productions co-launched Elysium Bandini Studios (EBS), a nonprofit film studio and streaming entertainment network established to help financially support the charity. EBS raised $698,000 from an Indiegogo campaign to fund its initial three films. The studio's early film projects included Memoria and Yosemite. On January 9, 2017, its streaming network went live. The platform later featured a video series directed by Andrew Ondrejcak that included volunteer artists. In 2018, an EBS production, Obey Giant, won a Webby People's Voice Award in Film & Video – Documentary: Individual Episode Longform. Programs Community arts TAOE provides community arts programs in fashion, film/theater, music, and visual arts. The organization has partnered with hospitals, schools, homeless shelters and eldercare facilities. In 2018, it was reported to offer 110