Developing ArtistS murals & Alliances | DAMA

Mission & Vision

Developing Artists Murals & Alliances (DAMA) began in 2014 with a single goal: to use collaborative art as a force for growth, healing, and connection. Founded by Sharon Kilfoy and Mark Fraire, DAMA became an independent nonprofit in 2016, with a mission to foster youth development through collective art experiences, and train local and self-made artists,  to stabilize and sustain community transformation processes.

DAMA believes art is a catalyst for change. Our vision is a City and County where every young person, aspiring artist, and neighborhood can access opportunities to create, collaborate, and thrive. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers to art education—especially for marginalized youth, artists and communities shut out of traditional resources. Through hands-on projects, we promote well-being, academic achievement, and real-world skills, all while turning blank walls into symbols of hope and unity.

OUR APPROACH

At DAMA, our approach is rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and the belief that art can be a springboard for meaningful change. Everything we do—from youth development to women’s artist training, from community engagement to organizational partnerships—centers on bringing people together to co-create lasting transformation.

We believe in meeting participants where they are. Our programs are participant-driven and flexible, adapting to the needs and aspirations of every young person, artist, organization, and community we work with. We use trauma-informed practices to ensure that every space we occupy is safe, supportive, and conducive to healing and creative risk-taking.

Art is both the medium and the message. Each mural project is designed not just to beautify, but to inspire pride, spark dialogue, and foster a sense of ownership among all who take part. DAMA artists model cooperation, adaptability, and respect—helping participants build real-world skills and resilience that extend far beyond the mural itself.

We are intentional about equity and access in all our work. We actively seek out those who have been left out of traditional art education and public decision-making—especially youth from marginalized backgrounds, women and gender-diverse artists, and self-made creators whose voices haven’t always been heard. By connecting these individuals with resources, mentorship, and opportunities for leadership, we help shift the narrative and expand what’s possible in our communities.

Every DAMA program is designed with sustainability in mind. We include community-driven plans for stewardship and maintenance in every mural project, ensuring our impact endures. We stay connected to national best practices, sharing knowledge and learning from leading public art initiatives around the country.

True to our mission and vision, DAMA’s approach is about more than art. It’s about building bridges, nurturing talent, and creating a City and County where everyone—whether a young person, a woman artist, a self-made creator, a corporate partner, or a neighbor—has the chance to shape a more vibrant, just, and beautiful world, together.