Atlanta, Georgia · Est. 2008

Every child deserves a stage.

Futures Now brings free arts, music, and theatre programmes to Atlanta's under-resourced youth — because creativity changes trajectories.

340Youth Served Annually
94%High School Graduation Rate
15Years Serving Atlanta
3Neighbourhoods Reached

vs. 71% city average graduation rate — the arts close gaps.

Our Story

Born from a belief that every neighbourhood deserves a theatre

In 2008, Dr. Priya Nair gathered twelve community volunteers in the basement of a church in East Atlanta. They had $800, a borrowed projector, and a conviction: children who are given a creative voice will use it. Fifteen years later, Futures Now operates across three Atlanta neighbourhoods, runs three dedicated programmes, and measures its success in graduation rates, not performances.

Our flagship programme, Stage Forward, has become a model studied by foundations in four states. Ninety-four percent of Stage Forward alumni graduate high school — 23 points above the city average.

What We Do

Three pathways. One mission.

🎭

Stage Forward

Our flagship theatre programme for ages 12–18. Students write, direct, and perform original works addressing real issues in their communities. 180 participants across three schools.

🎵

Sound Lab

Music production, songwriting, and live performance for ages 10–16. Students learn industry-standard tools and perform at community events throughout the year.

🎨

Canvas

Visual arts and mural programme for ages 8–14. Students learn technique, art history, and community storytelling — with four permanent murals in Atlanta neighbourhoods to show for it.

From Our Alumni

"Stage Forward taught me that my voice matters. I was failing three classes when I joined. I graduated with honours and a full scholarship to Spelman."

— Amara J., Stage Forward Class of 2021

"I didn't know what production software was at 13. By 16, I was selling beats online. Futures Now didn't just give me art — they gave me a career."

— DeShawn M., Sound Lab Class of 2019