Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Fleisher is a source of inspiration, creativity, and community. Every year, more than 20,000 people experience the transformative power of art by participating in our classes, tuition-free classes, workshops, exhibitions, and community-based programs.
Founded in 1898, we are one of the country’s oldest nonprofit community art schools and are committed to advancing the vision of our founder, Samuel S. Fleisher, who believed that art is one of society’s greatest assets and equalizers, and from the doorway of his Graphic Sketch Club, “invited the world to come and learn art.”
Our Mission
Fleisher is a vibrant community anchor for the arts in Philadelphia that provides economically and culturally accessible classes, programs, and events that serve the broadest possible audience.
Our Vision
Fleisher’s vision is for a city where all people have abundant access to making and learning about art in a shared community, so that everyone has access to a “playground for their soul” as our founder envisioned in 1898.
Our Core Values
Fleisher’s core values are rooted in the ideals of Samuel Fleisher:
The Artist in Us All — Within every individual are the ingredients for original artistic expression.
Art is a Pathway to Fulfillment — An individual’s ability to use art is a vital means for emotional and intellectual exploration and growth.
Art Enriches the Community — By nurturing each individual’s creative potential, we aim to provide social, cultural, and economic benefits to the community as a whole.