About

Inspired Child is located in Rainier Valley and has a 19 year history of operating free in-person and virtual programming and events in the Central District, Rainier Valley, Rainier Beach, Skyway and Renton Communities. Since our founding in 2006, Inspired Child has been dedicated to the transference of craft from those who are experienced to those who are inspired to learn.
Inspired Child nurtures Inspiration through free and accessible Black arts, technology, science, and virtues experiences. We co-create these experiences with African-Americans, African diasporans, and continental Africans communities, partnering with families, teaching artists, educators, caregivers and organizations to develop and deliver programs that engender a deep sense of belonging and transmit the diversity of Black history, heritage, and culture. Our programs are intentionally multigenerational, offering opportunities for both youth and adults to engage, learn, and mentor one another. Inspired Child strives to create an authentic multigenerational community and increase economic opportunities for Black and QTPOC teaching artists in Seattle and from Lynnwood to Lakewood.
At Inspired Child, we believe in fully nourishing our communities' inspiration to bring about social change, healing, and community evolution. Our programs are designed to create joyful moments of freedom, self-expression, and empowerment, fostering a village-centered approach to nurturing the next generation of leaders, artists, scientists and activists. We are committed to removing financial barriers, ensuring that all families, regardless of their income, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to live an inspired life.

Inspired Child was founded by Artist, Scientist & Activist Monique Franklin
Inspired Child has been providing arts education, technology education, and artist development programs infused with anti-oppression strategies since 2006. Inspired Child Programs are designed to develop creativity, inner strength, and leadership in our children and build capacity in our communities to reach their full potential. Inspired Child programs have been contracted/funded by King County Parks, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Public Libraries, YMCA, Powerful Schools, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, 4Culture, Shoreline Community College, Edmonds Community College, and Poets & Writers.
Inspired Child Core Programs & Projects: Virtuoso Lab, The Children’s Open Mic, Love, Power, and Purpose, Cultivated Soul Garden, Movies & Shakers, Dance & Splash, Verbal Oasis Spoken Word Festival, Co-creation Lab.
Photo Credit: Susan Fried