Our Story
While working as an art teacher in public schools, Sam Bass saw two key needs facing New Orleans’ kids. First, the lack of affordable, high quality and multidisciplinary arts education. Second, the need for safe, joyful and creative places for kids to spend time when school isn’t in session.
So, in 2016, Sam started Art Camp 504 as a four-week arts camp for neighborhood kids in the Bywater. Fast forward 10 years and today we serve over 1,000 New Orleans youth ages 0 to 17 through year-round creative arts programming that nurtures creativity, boosts self-confidence and builds connection.
We believe in a world where every child has access to high-quality, culturally relevant arts education — regardless of who they are or what zip code they were born in.
Our Impact
We’re committed to providing needs-based scholarships to 30% of our student population. This totals nearly $70k per year in tuition value.
We employ professional working artists as teachers, providing them with critical supplemental wages, while also injecting $200k+ per year into the New Orleans’ cultural economy.
100% of parents report an improvement in their children’s overall self-confidence since attending Art Camp 504
42% of parents say their child’s academic school performance has significantly improved since attending Art Camp 504, with another 58% saying it has somewhat improved.
Our History
Began as a 4-week summer arts camp in the Bywater for 12 neighborhood kids
Moved to the Tigermen Den with 8 weeks of Summer Camp, serving 160+ kids. Began offering Winter Camp.
Transitioned to virtual classes during COVID, offering 40+ classes per week. Built our first house float!
Began offering Thanksgiving and Spring Break camps, serving an additional 60 students/year.
Expanded our student capacity to 40 students/week for Summer Camp by adding an upstairs rental.
Our founder Sam Bass left her job in the film industry to run Art Camp 504 full time.
Ran our first full-academic year of after school classes. Built our second house float, turning the annual initiative into a large scale community art project.
Began offering early childhood classes and piloted our Emerging Artist Internship program. Served 700+ New Orleans youth.
ART CAMP 504 TURNS 10!
Moved into our own building for the first time! Expanded to adult & family classes.
By Dec. 31, we will have served 1,000+ youth.
