A Reason to Survive

Founder Matt D’Arrigo first conceived of A Reason To Survive (ARTS) in 1992 while his mother and sister both battled cancer. Painting and music were Matt’s refuge, giving him “a reason to survive,” especially after the passing of his mother. Just as the arts helped Matt through one of the most difficult times of his life, he aspired to provide that same opportunity to other youth working through their own personal crises. In 2001, Matt founded ARTS on the philosophy that arts can heal and transform lives. ARTS initially began as a therapeutic arts organization, conducting outreach at The Ronald McDonald House and Rady’s Children’s Hospital. In 2007, ARTS opened a 7,000-sq. ft. Pat D’Arrigo ARTS Center in Liberty Station, and expanded its programs and mission to heal, inspire, and empower youth facing life challenges through therapeutic arts, formal arts education, and college & career preparation.