Arts New Orleans has been informed that ARPA funding for the Young Artist Movement (YAM) youth diversion program is being eliminated due to projected city budget cuts. This decision puts a proven, community-based program for court-involved youth in New Orleans at immediate risk.

For the past two years, ARPA funding has supported a trauma-informed, arts-based diversion pathway that provides young people with mentorship, art education, wellness support, and accountability outside of punitive systems. Working in collaboration with juvenile court judges, diversion partners, case managers, art therapists, and community organizations, YAM has helped youth build skills, confidence, and positive connections while contributing to their communities through public art.

The loss of this funding would disrupt critical services and result in the reduction of trained program staff who have built trusted, trauma-informed relationships with youth and families. These relationships are essential to the program’s success and cannot be quickly replaced.

We are asking City Council to restore ARPA funding for YAM. If full restoration is not possible, we urge the Council to allocate funding sufficient to retain core program staff and stabilize the program while longer-term solutions are explored.

Restoring this funding is not simply a budget decision — it is an investment in youth well-being, public safety, and the long-term health of New Orleans communities.

Sign now to urge City Council to restore ARPA funding and protect this essential youth program.