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Bringing People Together Through Collaborative Visual Art
Through community art projects, murals, and artist-in-residence programs, Uplift Art Foundation invites youth and community members to share their stories, explore their creativity, and create something meaningful together. No experience is needed—everyone has a voice and a place in the art we create.
Strengthen belonging and community connection
Create vibrant spaces that inspire pride and participation
Give every participant the opportunity to spread hope
our mission
We believe art brings people together. Our mission is to strengthen community by creating collaborative art experiences that inspire belonging and empower every person to leave their mark.
Help bring artists, supplies, and collaborative art experiences to youth and communities. Your gift directly supports our mission.
the problem
When art takes a backseat, youth and communities lose a spark that brings us together.
Schools and neighborhoods thrive when people feel connected, valued, and included. Yet many young people and community members feel disconnected or unsure if they belong.
When access to arts programming is limited, they miss opportunities to explore new interests, express themselves, and build friendships.
Creating art together gives people a shared purpose—and a chance to feel seen, heard, and part of something meaningful.
When people have a hand in creating the art around them, shared spaces become places of connection. A school mural can celebrate students’ voices, and a community art project can bring neighbors’ stories to life.
These experiences help people see that they matter—and that they belong in the places they spend time learning, living, and thriving.
Because everyone belongs.
Because everyone matters.
Because every person deserves to leave their mark.
our programs
Where Creativity Builds Community
Bring your curiosity—we’ll bring the art supplies.
Our programs connect youth, neighbors, and artists to explore new materials, build creative confidence, and turn shared stories into shared art.
No experience is needed; everyone has something to contribute.
Together, we create public art that celebrates our communities and sparks connection and pride long after the last brushstroke.
Youth Art Program
We bring art to life in schools through collaborative mural projects that engage students in creating lasting works of art, celebrating their shared identity and fostering belonging and school pride.
Community Art Program
In partnership with local communities, we create collaborative art and mural projects that are bold, vibrant, and inclusive, giving everyone the opportunity to leave their mark.
Artist-in-Residence Program
We partner with local organizations, schools, and artists to provide meaningful mentorship, hands-on art experiences, and creative education that inspire student engagement and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
about uplift art foundation
Transforming Spaces. Strengthening Communities.
Uplift Art Foundation grew from founder Lilian Belaen’s work bringing people together through art. As the owner of Uplift Teams, she saw how creative experiences could support employee well-being and strengthen connections.
We founded Uplift Art Foundation to extend those opportunities to youth and communities through a nonprofit dedicated to greater access to the arts.
We partner with schools and community organizations to reach people who may have limited opportunities for creative expression.
Through youth programs, community art projects, and artist residencies, we make space for people to discover their creativity, connect with others, and help shape the places they call home.
Along the way, we hope to spark a lifelong love of art—and inspire the next generation of artists.
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
Jada Johnson
Secretary & Director of Community Engagement
Send us a Message to Inquire about Openings
Open Positions: Director of Marketing and Director of Sponsorships
impact
Together, we create more than art. We create belonging.
"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
Principal, Thomas 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
05.2026
"This was a really cool project. I loved seeing everyone's face on the artwork. It made me proud to support the mental health awareness event, we are all in this together. I was hesitant to participate because I'm not an artist. With the encouragement to join in, I'm so glad I did!"
Community Member
NAMI Walks, Portland OR
05.2026