Written by Leva Zand, Executive Director of ARTogether
This new year feels different for me. The beginning of 2025 feels like standing at the edge of an uncharted path. Like many of you, I’ve entered this year with a mix of emotions—anxiety, cautious hope for change, and a deep sense of responsibility. Sometimes it feels like survival itself is the resolution. Certainly this year feels like that for me. Yet, I’ve learned that embracing these moments of doubt can lead to clarity and strength.
Eight years ago, ARTogether was born out of a sense of anger and betrayal. As an immigrant, I felt the sting of policies and rhetoric designed to exclude people like me and the communities I love. Instead of letting that anger consume me, I channeled it into something transformative: a space for connection, healing, and joy. What started as a small, bold idea has grown into a thriving community where art becomes a bridge across cultures and a source of resilience.
Last year was a testament to that vision and momentum. Together, we achieved so much. We saw the vibrancy of immigrant and refugee stories come to life in public art projects like the World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival and murals at Clinton Park. We nurtured the next generation of artists through mentorship programs, school workshops, and exhibitions that gave young voices a platform to shine. These achievements weren’t just milestones; they were acts of defiance against a system that too often sidelines the most vulnerable among us.
But this new year comes with its own challenges. The cracks in our social fabric feel wider, and the systems meant to support our communities seem increasingly fragile. In our staff meetings, we’ve asked ourselves, “What now?” How do we move forward when resources are limited and the need feels endless? How do we balance ambition with realism?
What gives me hope is the unwavering spirit of our community. Growing up under a regime that sought to strip away joy and connection, I learned that the greatest act of resistance is to hold onto both. Joy and community are the antidotes to despair, the fuel that keeps us moving forward. At ARTogether, we see this every day—in the smiles of students discovering their creative voices, in the connections formed at our events, and in the collective power of people coming together.
As we step into this year, I invite you to dream boldly with us and turn those dreams into action. Whether by volunteering, donating, or sharing our mission, your support amplifies our work to uplift refugee and immigrant voices through the arts. Together, we can face uncertainty with courage and create spaces where creativity and belonging flourish.
