Originally from Fort William, Scotland, Room 13 is an arts program initiated by the students for the students. It was created by a group of elementary children who felt like their school should have a space that allows students to express themselves through art and other creative means.
Room 13 is a student-run studio that is completely self-sustainable, relaying on its participants to raise money and fund their classroom activities. The social enterprise teaches basic business practices and requires students to come together and create a budget and business model in order to fund their initiatives.
Included in the students business plan is the need to fund the salary of a resident artist. This artist uses the Room 13 studio as their own and the students learn and create with the artist.
James Foshay Learning Center is the first Room 13 in the United States, chosen for its unique character and self-driven student body. Located in South Los Angeles, the school is located in the center of one of the richest cities which offers resources including: art museums, art schools, research universities and major film studios.
There are more than 90 studios worldwide. Each studio is filled with ambition, leadership and the desire to create art in a collective movement of self-expression.
