Inner-City Arts
Bob Bates began their work experience as a Full-time Painting and Drawing Instructor at the University of Miami from 1971 to 1973. Bob then joined Para Los Ninos in 1984 as an Artistic Director, where they primarily taught art to after school elementary and high school students. Bob also supported the work of the staff and counselors, and taught art to all summer camp students. In 1989, Bob co-founded Inner-City Arts and became the Artistic Director at the same time.
Bob Bates completed their BFA in Painting and Printmaking from the Kansas City Art Institute from 1964 to 1967. Bob then pursued further education and obtained their MFA in Painting and Ceramics from the University of Cincinnati from 1969 to 1971.
Inner-City Arts
Inner-City Arts, widely regarded as one of the nation's most effective arts education providers, is an oasis of learning, achievement and creativity in the heart of Skid Row, and a vital partner in the work of creating a safer, healthier Los Angeles. Under the guidance of professional teaching artists, Inner-City Arts’ students are immersed in a safe and supportive environment where they engage in a variety of visual and performing art forms in studio and theater settings. Children who attend Inner-City Arts develop skills that are highly valued in the 21st-century workforce such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Inner-City Arts’ services include classes during the instructional day for elementary students, after-school, weekend and summer workshops for teens, and creativity-based professional development for educators.