We get there through unstructured moments and assigning readings that stimulate weighty group conversations. These discussions give space to agree or argue with the texts, and unpack how their insights apply to our lives. It provides the space to use discernment and make conscious choices about what influences our growth.

Over the past four years we have settled on a selection of texts that explore ways to look at the (designed) world; give insight into how technology has changed us; and provide language for understanding the forces that resist personal development.

The heart of Problem Children is a support system that challenges. The readings illuminate ways to identify the things that push against our growth and give guidance to navigate around them. From there we provide the tools to turn these insights into strategies for finding your place in the world.

We constantly remind the artists that their voice is important and that our world is a little darker without their unique light. It is about underscoring the fact that, as the artist Jimmie Durham says, “Humanity is not a completed project.”

To highlight our focus on the tangible, this year we created a physical reader for students. It combines the required readings, spaces for note taking, and broadly applicable advice. The reader provides a physical way to engage with the writings, creates a sense of unity, and is a physical resource that can be returned to. The hope is that the collection of thoughts continues to stimulate curiosity and acts as a reminder of the summer explorations.

As we have previously mentioned, this year we also transformed our space at 1288 15th Ave into a workshop that makes our resources, tools, and materials available to the artists. This gives them the physical space to work side-by-side, inform each others’ decisions, and have free-form interactions with mentors and artists who come by.

We made this decision to signal our respect for and dedication to the artists. It is also an experiment in building a physical space for the creative growth of teenagers – something we believe is core to growing the program.

Spaces that are designed to support creative pursuits, curiosities, and development is something we desperately need in our cities. We have built a space that enables creating in many different ways for many different people – it is our first step towards figuring out how we might do this meaningfully and at scale.

As the artists develop their projects, we are gaining a sense of the tools/materials they need that we don’t have on hand. This list is ever-changing, but some immediate needs include:

• A Windows-based PC to use Revit
• A microscope that we can modify
• Small/personal security video camera
• Air-drying model making clay

If you, or someone you know is willing to loan or donate any of these items, please reach out to me directly.

We are fully transparent with our artists about who we are reaching out to and how to identify what those around us have access to. Being able to materially show students that support emerges when you ask is a beautiful learning moment.

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Finally, as always, we encourage you to donate to help us continue supporting and building Problem Children through a financial donation.