Community Impact Lab: Turning Art Into a Force for Change

At Out of Hand, we believe art can do more than inspire. It can bring people together, spark tough conversations, and move people to action. That’s why we created the Community Impact Lab, a 6-month accelerator in arts-based community engagement.

The Lab is designed for arts leaders and organizations who want to build meaningful collaborations that benefit both their organization and the people they serve.

What Is the Community Impact Lab?

The Community Impact Lab is a hands-on training program where participants learn to design and lead arts-based community collaborations. Through the Lab, you’ll gain the skills, support, and tools needed to create programming that fosters trust, belonging, and connection.

A major outcome of the program is a fully developed Equitable Dinners program, a proven model where a short play, a shared meal, and a guided conversation create space for dialogue and social change.

"The arts open doors to connection that nothing else can. Through story, dialogue, and imagination, we create spaces where people see each other fully and that is the first step toward change. The Community Impact Lab is where you learn how to do this with power and purpose." — Adria Kitchens, Out of Hand Director of Equity + Community Impact Lab Faculty

Why Are We Doing This?

Since 2018, Out of Hand has quadrupled revenue while moving neighbors to action and elevating the role of the arts in civic life. We’ve seen firsthand how arts-based engagement can strengthen organizations, deepen partnerships, and serve communities.

The Community Impact Lab is our way of sharing this model with other leaders across the country. By providing training, peer support, and practical tools, we hope to help you turn your organization into a force for change.

How Does It Work?

The Lab meets online over six months. Each session includes interactive training, practical tools, and peer learning. Along the way, participants design and prepare to launch their own Equitable Dinners program in their community.

Schedule
🕛 All sessions are 12–4PM EST

  • October 21, 2025

  • November 4, 2025

  • November 18, 2025

  • December 16, 2025

  • January 13, 2026

  • February 17, 2026

  • March 17, 2026 (Final Capstone Presentation)

Optional Evening Sessions (6–8PM EST)

  • November 20, 2025

  • January 8, 2026

  • February 5, 2026

What You’ll Walk Away With

  • 🍽️ A complete Equitable Dinners program ready to lead in your community

  • 🤝 A network of fellow leaders walking the same path

  • 🛠️ Creative tools for facilitation, collaboration, and belonging

  • 🎯 Up to 5 hours of personalized consulting with Out of Hand’s team (available with the licensed programming package)

  • 👥 A team within your organization aligned around a shared purpose and practice

"Participants leave the Lab inspired and ready to act with practical skills to use the arts as a catalyst for conversation, healing, and real community impact." — Adria Kitchens, Out of Hand Director of Equity + Community Impact Lab Faculty

Cost

The Community Impact Lab is priced at $2,500
Use code EARLYBIRD2025 for $500 off!

Group pricing: $2,000 each for two or more participants
Use code GROUPEARLYBIRD2025 for $500 off each ticket!

Scholarships and individual module rates may be available. Please contact Adria Kitchens with any inquiries.

Ready to Join?

The Community Impact Lab begins October 21, 2025. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register soon.

👉 Learn more and sign up today at community-impact-lab.com

Out of Hand