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Bringing People Together Through Art

Through large-scale community art projects, Uplift Art Foundation helps students and community members leave their mark, celebrate their individuality, and create something meaningful together.

Plan Your Project

Strengthen belonging and community connection

Create vibrant spaces that inspire pride and participation

Give every participant the opportunity to leave a lasting mark

our mission

We believe art brings people together. Our mission is to strengthen communities by creating collaborative art experiences that inspire belonging, celebrate diversity, and empower every person to leave their mark.

Execution

Executive Advisor

the problem

Too Many People Feel Disconnected From Their Community

Schools and neighborhoods thrive when people feel connected, valued, and included. Unfortunately, art programs continue to lose funding, students report lower feelings of belonging, and communities often lack opportunities to come together around a shared purpose.

Without meaningful experiences that bring people together, schools miss opportunities to strengthen culture, students miss opportunities for creative expression, and communities miss opportunities to build pride in the places they call home.

Because everyone belongs.

Because everyone matters.

Because every person deserves to leave their mark.

Plan Your Project

how it works

Creating Connection Through Collaborative Art

We make large-scale mural projects simple, engaging, and accessible for everyone.

Explore All Programs

Step 1

Imagine Together

We gather ideas, stories, and feedback from students, staff, and community members to create a mural design that reflects the people it represents.

Step 2

Community Collaborative Murals

Transform public spaces into vibrant works of art created by the people who live, work, and gather there.

Step 1

Community Art Events & Workshops

Interactive art experiences designed to bring people together through creativity, learning, and participation.

about uplift at foundation

Transforming Spaces. Strengthening Communities.

Since 2013, Uplift founder Lilian has been helping communities experience the transformative power of collaborative art.
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Our projects help:
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Increase participation in the arts

Strengthen school and community belonging

Create vibrant and welcoming spaces

Encourage creativity and self-expression

Board of Directors

Guiding the Vision, Growing the Impact

Lilian Belaen

Founder, President & Executive Director

Jennifer Pedersen

Treasurer & Director of Finance

Nicole Johnson

Director of Education & School Partnerships

Alana Aldrete

Director of Marketing & Communications

Jada Johnson

Director of Community Engagement

Future - Open

Corporate Executive/ Funding Sponsor

impact

Creating Spaces People Feel Proud Of

"Lilian, we're really thrilled with how lovely the mural is. Thanks for all of your work to gather input from students, include as many as possible, and ensure that the finished product was a lovely addition to the school. I'll be sure to share your info to any other schools I learn are wanting to do murals."

Kristyn Westphal

PrincipalThomas Jefferson Middle School

"It turned out absolutely beautiful! ...I think overall you were so well organized and prepared that it went very smoothly."

Devonne Pele

Art and Science Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Middle school

15.12.2025

"This project gave our students the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on their school. The excitement, teamwork, and sense of ownership it created were incredible to witness. The mural continues to inspire pride and connection every day."