HOPE Center for the Arts

Through the arts, we transform the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Through the arts, HOPE Center for the Arts transforms the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. We are committed to serving Orange County’s intellectually disabled adult artists through arts classes, events, exhibitions, public performances, and arts management training. Many believe that individuals with intellectual disabilities have difficulties expressing themselves across the board, but it isn’t true. Many of our artists perform publicly, and their art wins state and regional awards. Regardless of their intellect, every person has some talent inside of them.

We serve 60+ adults with intellectual disabilities per year. The nonverbal nature of so many of our students is no longer a handicap as we unlock their self-expression through the arts, a new and often hidden channel. Our visual artists exhibit and sell their work, and some have won statewide awards Our musicians perform publicly in our pop culture music group Hi Hopes.

We are a multi-faceted fine arts program for adults with intellectual disabilities designed to serve individuals showing talent, interest or motivation in the arts. Our teaching staff consists of professional artists, performers, and creative art therapists who bring a collaborative approach to working with this special population. There are only two other schools such as ours in Orange County, a region serving over 15,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities. The need for the school is high.

Orange County and Los Angeles Counties

Thank you for considering a gift. Thanks to you, our students, often marganilzed and set aside in the community, can express themselves privately and publicly in the arts through our instruction and mentorship. Only two other agencies in the county offer what we do to 15,000 eligible individuals. The need for what we offer is high, and we appreciate your support.

HOPE Center for the Arts has a 43-year track record in Orange County, first in Anaheim, and more recently in Irvine. Over the years, we've opened doors for over 1,500 adults with intellectual disabilities, clearing the way to expression that wouldn't be available without our help. Art, music, dance, theater, culinary arts. We teach it all and provide opportunities to share the work with the public through performances, exhibitions, and videos. Thank you for support.