Inside a vibrant building at 1023 Springdale Road in East Austin, something extraordinary happens every day. Children make masks inspired by cultures around the world. Teenagers write and perform original plays about issues that matter to them. Young people who once struggled to speak up in class discover their voices through puppetry, theatre, and visual arts. This is Creative Action, and for more than two decades, it has been transforming Austin's youth through the power of creativity.
The Largest Creative Learning Provider in Central Texas
Creative Action holds a remarkable distinction: it is the largest provider of creative learning programs in the Central Texas area, reaching more than 20,000 young people annually. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is also one of the largest employers of local artists in Austin, creating a virtuous cycle where working artists earn a living while inspiring the next generation.
The organization's programs span three main areas: school-based programs, after-school and camp programs, and community programs — each designed to activate the academic, social, and emotional development of young people through hands-on arts experiences.
Arts as a Tool for Growth
Creative Action's approach goes far beyond teaching kids to paint or act. Their professional Teaching Artists use the arts as a vehicle for developing critical thinking, teamwork, empathy, and self-confidence. In school-based programs serving grades K through 5, students explore diversity through mask and puppet making, act out folktales in world theatre classes, and create parades that teach collaboration and creative problem-solving.
The impact is especially powerful for students who may not thrive in traditional academic settings. Through interactive classroom performances and hands-on projects, Creative Action meets children where they are and helps them discover strengths they didn't know they had.
Teen Programs That Build Leaders
For older youth, Creative Action's teen programs provide dedicated space for artistic exploration and personal development. Teens work with professional artists to write original performances, develop visual art portfolios, and tackle social issues through creative expression. These programs don't just produce art — they produce confident, socially conscious young leaders.
The UpFront Gallery
Located inside Creative Action's Springdale Road headquarters, the UpFront Gallery serves as both a community art space and a showcase for the incredible work produced by the organization's young artists. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions and events throughout the year, creating opportunities for the community to see firsthand the talent and creativity being cultivated inside Creative Action's programs.
A Legacy of Creative Mentorship
Creative Action's Legacy Leaders volunteer program invites adults aged 55 and older to share their experience and passion with young people. It's one of many ways the organization weaves intergenerational connection into its mission, recognizing that mentorship and community support are essential ingredients in helping young people flourish.
For families, educators, and community members looking to support arts education and youth development in Austin, Creative Action offers a compelling model: when you invest in a child's creativity, you invest in the future of the entire community.