In 2014, Pilita Simpson dreamed of creating a different type of arts organization: Rather than focusing on teaching children to shine perfectly on stage or create “perfect” pieces, she would focus on empowering children to shine brightly with confidence from within, and give them the tools to succeed in every aspect of their lives.

Positively Arts is different from any other arts organization because we put the developmental needs of the child first. We have a holistic approach to emotional health that creates mental resilience and fortitude in children. With a Master’s Degree from Harvard University in Arts in Education, Pilita has designed all of our programming and curriculum with her Harvard Consortium who meet regularly to identify best practices in arts education, social and emotional learning, emotional health, and youth empowerment. We train our teachers to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and free to express themselves fearlessly and confidently. There is a positive correlation between a child’s self worth and their overall “success” in life. We create programs that give children tools for success in an environment where they can learn, thrive, and become stronger individuals and contributing members of society who can bring positive change to their communities. Children who have gone through Positively Arts programming are stronger leaders, more articulate speakers, more empathetic, have a stronger sense of self and community, have the tools to mitigate stress and anxiety, and have a stronger grasp of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.

Positively Arts provides unparalleled and empowering performance and visual arts opportunities to all children. We serve the Southern Nevada community by offering ongoing classes, master classes, camps, performance opportunities, recording and composition modules, and mentorship opportunities with current working professionals in the business. We put our youth on professional stages across the Valley, empowering the student, and inspiring the entire community.

Positively Arts believes all students deserve equal access to performing arts programs regardless of financial limitation. Since opening its doors, the organization has granted over $200,000 in scholarships to more than 10,000 students in Southern Nevada.