To cultivate an engaged community of youth whose powerful artistic voices transform their lives, their neighborhoods, and their worlds.

Shared Values
We believe in the power of young people.
We believe in the power of artistic expression.
We believe in taking care of ourselves and each other.
We believe in creating positive change in our neighborhood & beyond.

Founded in 1937, Community Art Center (CAC) is a neighborhood institution committed to our mission: to cultivate an engaged community of youth whose powerful artistic voices transform their lives, their neighborhoods, and their worlds. We believe in the power of young people. We believe in the power of artistic expression. We believe in taking care of ourselves and each other. We believe in creating positive change in our neighborhood & beyond. CAC was founded by a group of parents and began in the basement of Newtowne Court, one of America’s oldest public housing developments, as a way to improve access to education, arts-rich experiences, and creative enrichment activities for children and youth in low-income situations. In 1980 CAC received its first state child care license allowing for expanded services and reach. In 1999 CAC moved into a former Polaroid Warehouse building across the street from Newtowne Court. Programs today include the School Aged Child Care Program for youth aged 5-12, that provides interdisciplinary art lessons alongside essential child care for families. Teen Public Art and Teen Media Programs, provide creative development and help prepare young people for post-secondary opportunities. The Teen Media Program operates Do It Your Damn Self!! the nation’s longest-running youth-led film festival for teens ages 13-19. Youth programs are offered in a family like environment with transportation, mental and emotional supports, and up to three full meals a day. “Port Arise” and community programs are open to all ages, ensuring that families in crisis have their basic needs met. Now in its 86th year, CAC is still a grass-roots organization that serves the most historically marginalized residents of the Port-neighborhood in Cambridge.