A brighter future through art
Painting the Future is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating artmaking opportunities for displaced children through workshops led by local artists and teachers, along with the donation of art supplies and materials.
why art matters
We believe art has the power to inspire hope, encourage self-expression, and bring people together.
Impact at a glance
900+
displaced children served
59
art workshops
8
regions
2
countries, currently
Last updated: June 2026
Our journey
2022
Painting the Future grows out of firsthand humanitarian work in Ukraine.
First art workshop held at a shelter in Lviv, Ukraine.
Art supplies donated to support Kids of Ukraine’s programming.
Incorporated as a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2023
Art workshops expand to the United States.
New partnerships established.
Art exhibited at G-Gallery (NYC), Oklahoma Center for the Humanities, and Oregon.
2025
Art workshops expand to three additional oblasts in Ukraine.
2026
Art exhibited at Chicago’s Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA).
Continued expansion through community partnerships.
TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Our impact, openly shared
Learn more about our programs, leadership, goals, strategies, and measurable impact through our Candid nonprofit profile.
Our story
Painting the Future was founded in 2022 after firsthand humanitarian work with displaced families in Ukraine, where we witnessed the profound impact of war and forced displacement on children. Working alongside Ukrainian artists, teachers, and community partners, we hosted art workshops at shelters, hospitals, orphanages, and community centers. What began as a small effort to provide artmaking opportunities quickly revealed how creative expression could offer children moments of joy, confidence, and connection during incredibly difficult circumstances.
As our volunteers spent more time with displaced children, one thing became clear: art was far more than a recreational activity. Through painting, drawing, and other creative experiences, children found meaningful ways to express themselves, explore their imaginations, and experience moments of hope. One of the most meaningful parts of our journey has been watching children become part of the mission themselves. Many have chosen to donate their own artwork to help fund future workshops, allowing their creativity to create new opportunities for other displaced children to experience the joy of making art. Their resilience and creativity became the inspiration for Painting the Future.
Founded as a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Painting the Future sponsors art workshops and creative opportunities for displaced children through partnerships with local artists, teachers, and community organizations. Through this work, we have also been able to donate many art supplies to our partners. By investing in trusted local partners, we help ensure children continue to have access to meaningful artmaking experiences where they live and learn. While Painting the Future has grown, our mission remains the same: to ensure every displaced child has the opportunity to create, imagine, and experience the joy of making art.
OUR PARTNERS
We work with local organizations, artists, and educators to expand access to meaningful artmaking opportunities for children affected by conflict and displacement.
Kids of Ukraine
Ukraine
Kids of Ukraine is a nonprofit supporting children in Ukraine impacted by war through education, psychosocial care, and community programs.